Sheffield United star Tahith Chong keeps World Cup dream alive as Curaçao secure historic point
Tahith Chong helped Curaçao secure a historic result in their second group game at the 2026 World Cup.
Sheffield United winger Tahith Chong helped Curaçao earn their first ever World Cup point on Saturday evening following a 0-0 draw with Ecuador at the Kansas City Stadium.
Inspired by a heroic performance from goalkeeper Eloy Room, who made a record-equalling 15 saves to help his side earn a clean sheet, the Blue Wave bounced back from last Sunday's 7-1 defeat to Germany to seal a historic result in what was just their second match at the World Cup finals.
A point against Ecuador, who registered a whopping 27 shots in total, means Curaçao still have a chance of progressing to the knockout stages when they face the Ivory Coast in their final group game on Thursday evening, despite currently propping up the Group E table.
The Blue Wave, who are managed by experienced boss Dick Advocaat, fought tooth and nail to earn themselves a share of the spoils at the Kansas City Stadium, but it was the performance of Room, who equalled Tim Howard's World Cup record of 15 saves in a single game, that deservedly dominated the headlines.
Room’s performance follows the heroic display produced by Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha in last Monday’s 0-0 draw with Spain. He made seven saves to help them earn a shock point against one of the tournament favourites.
At the other end of the pitch, United wide man Chong, who faces an uncertain future at Bramall Lane this summer, ended Curaçao’s second game of the tournament having had 36 touches of the ball. He completed 90 per cent of his attempted passes, completed four successful dribbles and won seven of his ten ground duels.
The former Luton Town man, who was determined to help his side take something from the clash with Ecuador, was taken off after 76 minutes and was replaced by Jearl Margaritha.
Facing the Ivory Coast, who suffered a gut-wrenching 2-1 defeat to Germany in injury time on Saturday evening, in their final group game on Thursday, Curaçao know a victory could see them progress to the knockout stages in second place, provided they better Ecuador's result against Germany.
Germany have already advanced to the round-of-32 after beating Curaçao and the Ivory Coast in their opening two matches.