Fans in the United States witnessed another set of thrilling clashes, though those watching from the UK may have missed some unforgettable moments.

The second round of group stage fixtures at the World Cup continued overnight, and among the standout stories was a historic feat that saw one of the tournament’s expected contenders staring at possible elimination.

Curacao earned their first-ever World Cup point after holding Ecuador to a goalless draw in Kansas City, thanks to an extraordinary performance from goalkeeper Eloy Room.

Room recorded 15 saves – the most by any goalkeeper in a 90-minute World Cup match since official records began in 1966 – as Dick Advocaat’s side bounced back from their 7-1 defeat to Germany in their opening game.

This result is monumental for the Caribbean island of just 158,000 people and keeps their chances of progressing from Group E alive. Curacao will reach the knockout stage if they manage to defeat Ivory Coast in their final group match.

For Ecuador, who many had tipped as dark horses after an impressive qualification campaign, the result leaves them on the brink of an early exit. With just one point from two matches, they must now beat an already-qualified Germany – and by a large margin – to stand any chance of advancing, whether as group runners-up or one of the best third-placed teams.

Room’s heroics began as early as the third minute when he denied Enner Valencia with a superb save. He later thwarted Gonzalo Plata and again stopped Valencia with an outstanding low effort.

Curacao also created chances of their own. Former Manchester United midfielder Tahith Chong squandered a three-on-two break, while Juninho Bacuna saw his shot blocked inside the penalty area.

Advocaat’s men came close to taking the lead just past the hour mark. Ecuador goalkeeper Hernan Galindez produced an excellent double save to deny Leandro Bacuna and Livano Comenencia, before Moises Caicedo blocked Jurgen Locadia’s rebound attempt.

Despite Ecuador’s pressure, Room continued to be unbeatable, saving efforts from Valencia and Kevin Rodriguez. Piero Hincapie then headed over from close range, and Plata missed a golden chance after bursting into the box.

Rodriguez later struck the crossbar with a cross-shot, but Room’s brilliance ensured Curacao held firm to secure a historic draw – their first-ever point at a World Cup finals.

Wrapping up the night’s action, Japan cruised to a comfortable victory over Tunisia, whose new coach Herve Renard could not inspire an immediate turnaround.

Tunisia were under Renard’s leadership for the first time after the sacking of Sabri Lamouchi following a 5-1 loss to Sweden earlier in the week. However, their struggles continued in Monterrey as Japan took the lead just four minutes in, with Keito Nakamura’s low cross allowing Daichi Kamada to open the scoring.

Ayase Ueda doubled Japan’s advantage in the 31st minute with a fine finish, and Junya Ito extended the lead in the 69th, completing a flowing team move with a calm strike past Aymen Dahmen.

With seven minutes remaining, Ueda sealed the 4-0 win by rising to meet Kaishu Sano’s cross, guiding a looping header into the bottom corner.

“We didn’t know exactly what the opponents would do, but we didn’t focus too much on them,” Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu said after the match. “Instead, we concentrated on our own game plan and played with aggression.”

He added, “During our preparations, the coaching team was very clear about our objectives, and that clarity allowed the players to perform to their full potential.”