World Cup 2026 Saturday takeaways: Netherlands makes history; Eloy Room saves Curacao

As Yahoo Sports noted, the Netherlands, which exited the 2014 and 2022 tournaments with knockout stage losses on penalties, has now gone unbeaten in 14 consecutive World Cup matches dating back to a 2010 finals loss to Spain, the longest streak in World Cup history.

Deniz Undav is a super sub

Germany found itself in a much closer match on Saturday against upset-minded Ivory Coast than the 7-1 rout of Curacao in its opener. Les Elephants scored first and held the Germans without a goal until midway through the second half, but Undav, a 60th-minute substitute, flipped the script, scoring twice — including the winner in stoppage time — to continue an already historic tournament.

Per ESPN, Undav has five goal contributions (three goals, two assists) through two group stage matches, tied for the most all-time by a substitute at a World Cup.

His performance helped Germany, which won 2-1, punch a ticket to the knockout stage for the first time since winning the 2014 tournament. Undav’s presence should leave the nation comfortable that as long as it keeps things close, he can provide a difference-making boost.

Eloy Room shuts down Ecuador

Ecuador and Curacao played one of the more thrilling 0-0 games we're likely to see this tournament as both goalkeepers put on shows. But Curacao goaltender Eloy Room was the undoubted man of the match, finishing with 15 saves, one shy of former USA goalkeeper Tim Howard's record for most since 1966.

Room started early, blocking striker Enner Valencia's breakaway shot on goal in the third minute, and followed with many more incredible stops to thwart an aggressive Ecuador attack.

La Tri dominated, holding a 75%-25% ball possession advantage, and was particularly aggressive following the intermission, when it outshot Curacao, 21-5, including 9-3 shots on target. Ecuador finished with a 3.06-0.48 advantage in expected goals, but Room remained brilliant throughout, giving The Blue Wave its first World Cup point in only its second match.

His performance was even more striking considering he conceded seven goals in Curacao's first World Cup game last Sunday against Germany. Few could have predicted it. In a tournament filled with excellent goalkeeping, Room's shutout may have been the best.