Eloy Room wants a statue. The Curacao goalkeeper joked about his country honouring him after a stunning display against Ecuador.
Room, 37, kept a clean sheet on Saturday night in Group E. His 15 saves matched the World Cup record for most stops in one match.
Ecuador arrived as heavy favourites but couldn't break through. Room's performance frustrated the South Americans throughout the encounter.
The record had stood for decades, jointly held by American legend Tim Howard. Room expressed genuine pride at equalling such an achievement.
"I knew it was a lot of saves," he told reporters after the match. "I know it was a record from a long time ago, so I am really proud."
He credited his opening save with setting the tone for the night. "My first save gave me confidence and I knew it was going to be a busy game," Room noted.
Curacao showed real character against a superior opponent. For the island nation, the draw felt like victory itself.
"I am a little bit bummed because we had chances to score," Room added. "For us, this feels like a victory."
Looking ahead, he believes this moment will stay with him forever. "I think in 40 years I will remember this," he said with a smile.
"It will be insane. I think I need a statue in Curacao now."
Curacao's journey to Qatar defied expectations entirely. The Caribbean nation, with just over 150,000 people, navigated three qualifying rounds to reach the World Cup for the first time.
Room described the surreal experience of competing on football's grandest stage. The tournament spans the United States, Mexico and Canada across North America.
"It is unreal, the journey where we came from and where we are now," he said. "We showed that we have real heart.
It is an unbelievable feeling."
Coach Dick Advocaat, the former Netherlands manager, has his team still fighting. Curacao sits in contention for the knockout rounds despite long odds.
A victory over Ivory Coast in their final group match would secure passage to the Round of 32. Such a result would represent one of football's greatest surprises.
