India will have to produce a near perfect performance to beat Argentina by a big margin in their last second round match here on Monday as their Hockey World Cup semifinal chances hinge on several ifs and buts. The 1-3 defeat against the Netherlands had almost sent India out of the semifinal race, but Argentina's win over England on Saturday kept them mathematically alive. A lot will depend on the result of the Netherlands-England clash, also to be played on Monday but after the India versus Argentina match.

The Netherlands will have to beat England for India to have any chance of reaching the semifinals. If England draw or beat Netherlands, even a win against Argentina will see India bow of the tournament. Under the new World Cup format, the top two teams from Pool E will advance to the semifinals. The Netherlands have already secured their place in the last four with six points. England and Argentina are level on three points after two matches, while India are yet to open their account in the second phase but technically they are still in contention though the chances are slim.