Hockey World Cup 2018, Ireland vs China: 3 Standout Players from the match

#2 Wang Caiyu (China)

China's second successive draw was made possible by goal-keeper Wang Caiyu

China's unexpectedly resilient performance in the 2018 World Cup stems from the adroitness of their inspirational goal-keeper.

In the two matches thus far, Wang Caiyu has been a major revelation under the bar. His stunning reflexes thwarted the Irish attackers for the vast majority of the match.

The Chinese defenders worked well in unison and rose to the relentless challenge posed by Ireland.

Whenever the Green Machine managed to breach the back line, Wang Caiyu came to China's rescue. In the first two quarters, Ireland had five shots on target. Yet, they could not find a way past him.

Caiyu stopped a dangerous strike from Shane O'Donoghue by getting low in the 19th minute. Later in the game, he did not shy away from advancing towards the Irish attackers whenever the Chinese defence was placed under pressure.

The goalkeeper's proficiency was on display when he stopped two pin-point penalty corners through nimble foot-work and agile reflexes.