Athens: Having survived a scare in the last match against South Africa, India go into a crucial group 'B' men's hockey league match against strong contenders Australia in Athens tomorrow (Aug 19, 2004), fully aware that any slip-up at this stage could jeopardise their hopes of an Olympic semi-final berth.

The Indians, who lost their opening encounter against Holland, were lucky to earn the full three points as they came from behind to score a 4-2 victory against South Africa last night (Aug 17, 2004) riding on two goals in the last couple of minutes.

They will be determined to rectify the weak links against the Australians in what promises to be a pulsating floodlit contest at the Helliniko Hockey Centre.

The topsy-turvy results in the pool have actually come as a boon for the Indians as it has thrown up a variety of possibilities in the battle for a place in the semi-finals. It has also shown that the so-called weaker teams like South Africa and New Zealand could not be taken for granted.

The Argentineans have already done India a favour by holding Australia to a 2-2 draw in their last match yesterday, depriving the formidable Aussies of garnering full points which could prove costly when the semi-finalists are decided.

The defending champions Holland were leading the points table after two matches having won both their games to collect six points while Australia were placed second with four points.

India and South Africa had three points to their credit and New Zealand were yet to open their account.