Defending Davis Cup champs Croatia showed why they are so difficult to beat, even on the road, Friday at the World Team Cup sweeping the clay-loving Chileans 2-0 in the singles to advance to the final where they will face Germany.
Due to rain in Dusseldorf the tie was played indoors at the Ice Stadium, where a record crowd of 7,800 watched
Ivan Ljubicic defeat
Fernando Gonzalez 7-5, 6-7(4), 6-4, and Mario "Baby Goran" Ancic ease past
Nicolas Massu 6-3, 6-2.
Gonzalez was 0-8 in converting break points against the big-serving Ljubicic.
In the second tie, the U.S. squad ended on a low note by bringing in their "B"-squad for a loss to Spain, reducing their record on the week to 0-3.
Fernando Verdasco beat Bob Bryan 6-1 in the third,
David Ferrer straight-setted
Robby Ginepri, and the Bryan brothers took the doubles point when Verdasco retired with a thigh injury.
Saturday's lineup for the final between Croatia and Germany is Mario "Baby Goran" Ancic vs.
Philipp Kohlschreiber, Ivan Ljubicic vs.
Nicolas Kiefer, with the doubles to follow.
