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.
