Vozinha has a rival and Mr Brobbey shines for the Dutch - World Cup daily bulletin
Curacao's goalkeeper Eloy Room has rivalled Vozinha's heroic display by helping to secure the tiny island nation a first ever World Cup point.
Heroic goalkeeping performances continue to define the 2026 World Cup.
40-year-old Vozinha’s outstanding display to earn Cape Verde a point against European champions Spain was quickly followed up by Saudi Arabia shot stopper Mohammed Al-Owais staking his own claim for the best goalkeeping performance of the tournament, making nine saves in his side’s draw with Uruguay (the most in a single game at this tournament up until that point).
But Curacao keeper Eloy Room has since smashed that record to earn the smallest ever nation to qualify for the World Cup a point against much favoured Ecuador.
Room also tied former USA goalkeeper Tim Howard’s record for the most saves in a single World Cup game at 15 (since records began in 1966). Howard’s performance against Belgium in 2014, which saw him dubbed the “Secretary of Defense”, included extra-time, however. No one has made more saves in a 90-minute World Cup game than Miami FC goalkeeper Room.
Room, Curacao’s most capped player along with Leandro Bacuna, joked afterwards that he deserves a statue for his efforts. After letting in seven goals in their opening game against Germany, he may well have feared the worst going into the clash with Ecuador, but has managed to keep his nation’s dream of reaching the knockouts alive for another week. They will need a win in their final game against the Ivory Coast to make that happen though.
Ecuador had been fancied as dark horses by many going into the tournament, given their impressive 19-game unbeaten run prior to the World Cup kicking off, but now almost certainly need a win against Germany in their final game in order to progress.
They may have been helped by the fact that Julian Nagelsmann’s side have already qualified for the round of 32, however, following their comeback win over Ivory Coast. Germany were second best for much of the game, and fell behind in the first half through former AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie’s close-range finish.
But super sub Denis Undav staked his claim to start over Kai Havertz by scoring twice off the bench to send Germany through, with his well-taken winner coming in the 94th minute. Ivory Coast, having won their first game against Ecuador, will still feel confident of making it through, however.
Undav was not the only striker playing with a point to prove yesterday. Brian Brobbey has had his fair share of doubters during his career. Overlooked during the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, Brobbey spent a year out of the Dutch squad before being recalled by Ronald Koeman, and rewarded his manager’s faith in starting him against Sweden by scoring his side’s first two goals on the way to a 5-1 win.
Having played a big part in Sunderland’s superb first season back in the Premier League, Koeman hailed the improvements Brobbey has made to his game since moving to the Stadium of Light. “He is fitter, sharper and developing really well,” the Dutch boss said.
Brobbey has surely guaranteed his place as a starter in this Holland side, who are well placed to progress to the knockouts after picking up four points from their two games. Sweden, having won their opening game 5-1 against Tunisia, fell back down to earth with a bump against the Dutch, but head coach Graham Potter insists his side will use this heavy defeat as a learning experience as they look to make it out of the group stages, facing Japan in their last group clash.
The Japanese are also vying to top the group, however, following their 4-0 thrashing of Tunisia, who have now been knocked out after a disastrous tournament.
Come back tomorrow for more from Hayters, on the ground and up close at the 2026 World Cup.