Five-time champions India can ill-afford any slip-up in their crucial match against Pan American champions Argentina on Wednesday if they want to keep themselves in contention for a berth in the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here.

India carved out a 3-2 victory over hosts Malaysia to take their points tally to six from four matches, the same as Argentina, who will go into Wednesday’s match with two impressive performances in the last outings, including a shock 3-2 win over favourites Great Britain.

A victory over Argentina and against arch-rivals Pakistan in the last league fixture on Thursday could take India to the final but it won't be an easy road ahead for Michael Nobbs' players.

Nobbs said he had told his players that they were again in control of their destiny and must make the best out of the two remaining league outings.

“The tournament is wide open. Big victories in our two remaining games could even get us a place in the final,” said Nobbs. “Our focus has not shifted from preparing for the Olympics.”