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Davis Cup Final
By Rene Gabriel
Last updated: 13:20 Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Davis Cup Final
Spain, ranked fourth in the world, visit Argentina, ranked third, in this year’s Davis Cup Final held at the Estadio Islas Malvinas. This will be third time these two meet - with Spain winning on both previous occasions. Rafael Nadal is out of the final, so the Argentinean's will fancy their chances even more on the hard (acrylic) indoor surface to clinch the trophy in front of their home supporters.
Argentina, who are yet to lift the trophy, lost to Russia two years ago and have only managed one more final appearance before that - 25 years ago when they lost to the USA. Argentina have been strongly fancied, especially when playing on home soil as the Argentinean crowd can be very hostile. The hosts have always reached the quarter-finals in last six seasons.
When we have a look at the head-to-head record Spain hold the upper hand over Argentina, as they have won both encounters (it is rather important to state both wins came on clay). They met in the 2003 semi-final where Spain won 3-2 on clay in Malaga, Spain. No surprise here then that the Argentineans decided to chose an indoor hard court for the final rather than clay - They will fancy their chances and are BestPriced at around 1/4.
So what are the team line ups? As expected Argentinean Alberto Mancini wasted no time and made sure all his stars are injury free and ready for the final showdown. On the other hand Spanish coach, Emilio Sanchez, will have to come up with a new strategy after his star player and world number one Rafael Nadal withdrew due to a knee injury.
Team Argentina: Juan Martin Del Potro (singles ranking 9), David Nalbandian (11), Jose Acasuso (48) and Augustin Calleri (60)
Team Spain: David Ferrer (singles raning 12), Fernando Verdasco (16), Feliciano Lopez (31) and Marcel Granollers (56)
Click here for the latest Davis Cup betting odds.