Estupiñán makes his World Cup debut; Ecuador tied 0-0 vs Curaçao, do-or-die against Germany
Pervis Estupiñán had a strong first World Cup start but Ecuador and Curaçao ended 0-0; 15 saves by Eloy Room cut off all chances. La Tri now need to beat Germany to keep their hopes of progressing alive.
Pervis Estupiñán's first goal at the 2026 World Cup was brilliant, but Ecuador was held to a 0-0 draw against Curaçao. The left-back started and was replaced in the 70th minute after presenting work on the left flank.
The match was one-sided in favor of La Tri—dominant in possession and the amount of possession—but no goals were conceded against Curaçao's meticulous defense. It was led by goalkeeper Eloy Room who made 15 saves—a new World Cup record for a single match.
<figure style="margin:2rem 0;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #e2e2e2;background:#f9f9f9"><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/en/ac_milan_articles_993/946ed831435c76787dc359f63048a527" alt="Image" style="width:100%;height:auto;object-fit:contain" loading="lazy" /></figure>Estupiñán showed discipline on the left and created several attacks, but the Caribbean side's defense was still unable to be breached. Despite constant pressure, Ecuador failed to find the finishing touch.
Because of the draw, La Tri's path narrowed in the group. They now need a win against Germany to keep their hopes of progressing to the next stage alive.
