India left it to the last quarter, but outplayed Canada nevertheless, winning 5-1 in their last league match of the World Cup at the Kalinga Stadium here to top Pool C and secure a direct quarter-final spot.

The first two quarters were almost a reminder of how India's 2-2 draw against Belgium began a few days ago. India's Harmanpreet Singh opened the scoring off a penalty corner drag flick (12th minute) but thereafter there seemed to be a sudden lack of coordination in this otherwise well-oiled host outfit. The poor period of play by the Indians saw Canada taking advantage and scoring the equaliser through a Floris van Son defence-splitting field goal (39th min) leading to a stunned silence in the 15,000-strong otherwise vociferous crowd.