The Indians, who drew 1-1 with Malaysia before losing to Pakistan 1-4, finally tasted success against the whipping boys from the Caribbean.

Penalty corner specialist Sandeep Singh led the way with four goals, two of them in the last two minutes, and Deepak Thakur scored twice in the one-sided contest.

Quan Chan pulled one back for Trinidad, scoring only the second goal for his team in three matches in which they conceded 24.

India took their points tally to four from three matches in group B. Malaysia, Pakistan and South Africa also have four points each, but from only two games.

The last two rounds today and tomorrow  will determine the semifinalists with Pakistan having the added cushion of a game in hand against Trinidad.

India’s last league match is against South Africa tomorrow and coach Rajinder Singh was hopeful a semi-final place could still be salvaged. “We are not out of it yet but a lot will depend on the remaining games,” he said. “All we can do is win, and win big, against South Africa.”

The Indians were in a desperate rush to get as many goals against Trinidad, picking up the ball after each goal and running back to the centre to resume play. “We had no time to waste,” said midfielder Viren Rasquinha. “It could all boil down to goal difference in the end.

“Hopefully the goal we conceded today will not prove costly.”