Sun Apr 13 12:46:12 2008

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Spain finishes up Davis Cup win over Germany

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Bremen, Germany (Sports Network) - Spain completed its quarterfinal Davis Cup win over Germany by splitting a pair of dead rubber singles matches on Sunday.

Fernando Verdasco upended Michael Berrer, 2-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, before Nicolas Kiefer salvaged something for Germany by besting Feliciano Lopez, 6-4, 7-6 (7-2).

Spain had already advanced to the semifinals on Saturday after the doubles team of Lopez and Verdasco pulled out a thrilling five-set victory over the German duo of Philipp Kohlschreiber and Philipp Petzschner.

Lopez and Verdasco earned a 6-7 (3-7), 7-6 (7-1), 6-4, 2-6, 12-10 triumph in a match that lasted four hours and 45 minutes to give the Spaniards an insurmountable 3-0 lead in the best-of-five tie.

Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer had won opening singles matches on Friday to give Spain the commanding advantage.

The Spaniards, who improved to 6-9 all-time in Davis Cup play against Germany, will next face the winner between the United States and France in September.