Hockey World Cup 2018: France vs China - 3 standout players from the match

#1 Wang Caiyu

It was France vs Caiyu for large parts of the match

The 21-year-old Chinese goalkeeper has had an amazing World Cup thus far in spite of conceding a barrage of goals against the Australians last Friday.

Wang Caiyu was resolute in goal against the English and stood like a rock between the posts yet again against a marauding French forward line.

The 1-0 margin of victory in favour of the French is hardly a fair reflection of what transpired on the pitch, and the Chinese do need to thank their last-man-standing for rendering respectability to the final scoreline.

Thirteen shots on target that were achieved from thirty-three circle penetrations produced a lone goal thanks to the lightning-quick reflexes and sheer bravery of Caiyu who left his post and charged down Timothee Clement in the first quarter just a couple of minutes after padding a powerful hit to safety.

Caiyu managed to pull off ten saves and frustrate the French strikers who managed to make their way into the attacking circle with ease but failed the elusive opening goal until the 36th minute.

Delmee's boys had some golden chances to double the lead as well but failed to seal the deal and had to toil hard until the very end largely on account of Caiyu's stubborn resistance in goal.

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