New Delhi, Feb 23 (ITN): In a pulsating encounter, the Indian men's hockey team on Wednesday  edged out Canada 3-2 to earn 12 points to go on top of the table and enter the final. 

Sandeep was the hero as the hosts escaped with a lucky win. Canada fought back from 0-2 down to score twice in three minutes, and it was left to Sandeep Singh to save India's blushes with a drag-flick in the last ten minutes. 

Inept finishing by the Indians coupled with dogged defence by the Canadians led to India's miseries throughout the match. 

Shivendra Singh scored the first goal in the 26th minute on a pass from tushar Khandekar. After leading 1-0 at half time, Sandeep gave India its second goal after converting a penalty corner. 

The Canadians struck with two quick goals to level the score.  After Ignace Tirkey made a mistake inside the circle, and Mark Pearson  converted the chance into a goal by beating the goalkeeper Sreejesh in the 50th minute.

Scott Tupper scored the second from the only penalty corner that the Canadians got and levelled the score.