Frustration for Caicedo and Ecuador at the World Cup | News | Official Site

Moises Caicedo's Ecuador will almost certainly need a positive result against Germany in their final World Cup group stage if they are to qualify after being held to a 0-0 draw with Curacao.

Ecuador suffered a dramatic late defeat to Cote d'Ivoire in their opening match on Monday night and with Germany lying in wait on Thursday, La Tricolor knew the importance of securing victory against Curacao on Saturday night in Kansas City Stadium.

Along with the top two from the 12 groups, eight of the third-placed teams will also qualify for the round of 32 but it seems unlikely a solitary point would be enough to progress, meaning there is now extra pressure of Ecuador to secure a positive result against the already-qualified Germans.

Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room was one of - if not the - main reason Ecuador had to settle for a point after the Miami FC shot-stopper made a World Cup record-equalling 15 saves on the night, matching the number Tim Howard saved against Belgium in 2014.

Arguably Room's best save was his first as Caicedo expertly released Enner Valencia in the third minute and the former West Ham striker's shot was heading for the corner until the Curacao goalkeeper palmed the ball away.

Caicedo broke an Ecuadorian World Cup record on the night, after attempting 112 passes, and the midfielder also posed an attacking threat with his dangerous corners and a second-half effort from range, which had to be held.

But despite having 75 per cent possession and 27 shots, Curacao held on for their first ever World Cup point and for Ecuador, who also had Kendry Paez as an unused substitute, their focus now turns to the crunch match with Germany on Thursday night.