Curacao Becomes Smallest Nation to Earn World Cup Point
Curacao made football history by becoming the smallest nation by population ever to earn a point at a FIFA World Cup.
The tiny Caribbean island of roughly 150,000 residents secured a monumental 0-0 draw against Ecuador at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday night.
The historic result shattered the previous population record held by Iceland, who drew 1-1 with Argentina in 2018 with a population of 334,000.
Just days after a devastating 7-1 opening loss to powerhouse Germany, the tournament debutants staged a defensive masterclass to hold South Americans to a scoreless stalemate.
Goalkeeper Eloy Room made a record 15 saves to enter history books to make it a memorable night for his country.
"This is a victory for our entire island," assistant coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst said in the post-match press conference.
"Nobody gave us a chance after the Germany game. But these players showed the world the spirit of Curacao. To take a point on this stage is a miracle."
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