China's 'bad boy' Wang Dalei proves valuable in their Asian Cup victory

Goalkeeper Wang Dalei was once plagued by controversy, but the former bad boy of Chinese football made a dream start to the Asian Cup with a man-of-the-match display against three-time winners Saudi Arabia.

Tattooed Wang was branded a national disgrace in 2010 when he called fans "dogs" and "morons" after China's defeat by Japan at the Asian Games in Guangzhou, earning a suspension despite a grovelling apology.

But the Shandong Luneng stopper proved his worth with a vital penalty save in Saturday's 1-0 over the Saudis in Brisbane, a potentially priceless result as they strive to reach the quarter-finals.

Wang's joy was obvious after he saved Naif Hazazi's hesitant spot kick, a triumphant moment providing the icing on the cake on his 26th birthday.

China cashed in on Wang's heroics when Yu Hai's deflected free kick sailed into the Saudi goal, giving ex-Lyon coach Alain Perrin the perfect start to his first Asian Cup.

"Before the match I got a lot of courage from my coach," said Wang. "A journalist asked me if I was ready for the tournament and I told him the match on January 10 will tell. Of course, we were lucky, but I'd like to congratulate my coach and my brothers."