Same score, different reactions: How Curaçao and Ecuador fans took tie in KC

Kansas City’s second World Cup match, Ecuador vs. Curaçao, left one fan base disappointed, and another excited to prove itself to the world.

Ahead of the 7 p.m. kickoff Saturday, fans filled the Kansas City Fan Fest on the grounds of the National World War I Museum and Memorial. With the previous matches — Netherlands versus Sweden and Germany versus Ivory Coast — the festival was a mix of team jerseys, but when kick off time came for the KC match, Ecuador fans were loud, proud and repping their team.

“The energy for today is great,” said Lane Fletcher, an Ecuador fan who watched the game at Fan Fest. His wife is Ecuadorian, so “naturally” he’s a fan of the team himself, he said.

This game had high stakes. The second round of matches in Group E will be crucial for each team’s next step, especially since both teams suffered losses in their first matches.

“We’re really hoping Ecuador pulls through with a win for this one because if not, we’re going to be kicked out of the World Cup, so we’re very excited,” said Fletcher. He hopefully predicted the game score as 2-1.

“It’ll be great moving forward. The team knows that we’re rooting for them and everything,” he said.

The Caribbean opposition was hopeful for their team regardless of the score. It was the country’s first time ever qualifying.

“I am just excited that they’re in the World Cup. So, whether they win or lose, it’s still a big accomplishment to be here and play in the World Cup,” Jennifer Lightsey said. The KC native became a fan of the small island country after visiting.

“I’m not from Curaçao, but I’ve been there,” she said. “I love it, and I’ve made friends there.”

When she heard they were coming to Kansas City, she had to root for them, Lightsey said.

“I’m especially excited for Curaçao to be here because I want them to know you have fans in Kansas City,” she said. “I feel like a lot of people here haven’t heard of Curaçao, and I’m, like, their biggest fan.”

Although outnumbered, Curaçao fans cheered proudly for their team as they held a 0-0 into halftime.

Curaçao’s goalie, Eloy Room, blocked 12 shots on target, maintaining the 0-0 score into the second half. Anticipation built up at the festival as the time winded down; both team’s fans stressed about the tied score.

Curaçao gained another fan in the same way as Lightsey. Leece Sims learned about the country from island hopping. The Afro-Latin country is the smallest qualifying country in the World Cup, and Sims came to Fan Fest to show support for the team amongst the swarm of yellow Ecuador fans, she said.

“This game is amazing. The energy is great here. I’m so happy for Curaçao. It’s a little island that deserves a lot,” said Sims.

At halftime, she was manifesting a goal, she said.

“They’re out there; they’re giving it their all,” Sims said. “Anything can happen anytime.”

Gabriela Garcia thought Ecuador’s team was doing well as they competed in the second half. Garcia is from Quito, Ecuador, and has lived in Minnesota for five years.

“I think we are doing a great job. We want to defend our goalie,” she said. “I hope we can win.”

She could feel the excitement — and tension — in the air among her fellow fans, she said.

The game ended after an additional five minutes of stoppage time. The score remained 0-0, a tie. This game ties the two teams in Group E, with each having one point, as opposed to Germany’s 6 and Ivory Coast’s 3.

“It was such a big disappointment.I really thought we were doing better. We had chances, but I don’t know what happened,” said Marten Salazar, a fan from Ecuador. “It was just a big turn down for me.”

Angeline Leocaria, a fan from Curaçao, couldn’t have been happier. She was left speechless by the score, she said.

“We are a small island, first time we got to the World Cup, and it’s unbelievable,” she said.”My boyfriend, my brothers in the stadium, now we’re going to go together, party.”