BAMBERG, Germany – Cedrik-Marcel Stebe salvaged some pride for Germany, beating Eduardo Schwank 7-6 (1), 7-5 Sunday in a consolation win against Argentina in the first round of the Davis Cup.
Argentina won the best-of-five series 4-1 and will play Croatia in the quarterfinals in April. Germany faces a playoff to stay in the World Group.
Earlier Sunday, Juan Ignacio Chela defeated Florian Mayer 7-5, 7-5 to stretch Argentina's lead to 4-0.
The visitors clinched their place in the quarters Saturday when Schwank and David Nalbandian rallied from two sets down to beat Tommy Haas and Philipp Petzschner 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to decide the series.
Argentina was the runner-up last year to Spain and is seeking its first title after losing four finals. Germany has won three titles.
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