After Rafa Nadal and David Ferrer put favorites Spain 2-0
ahead on Friday, victory for Nalbandian and doubles specialist Schwank means
Argentina still have a slim chance of winning a first Davis Cup in their fourth
final and avenging defeat to Spain in the 2008 title match in Mar del Plata.
However, with world number two Nadal apparently
unbeatable on his beloved clay and full of confidence after his demolition of
Juan Monaco on Friday, Spain remain on course for a fifth Davis Cup triumph and
a third title in four years.
Saturday's doubles rubber was always going to be
Argentina's best chance of a point, with Lopez and Verdasco coming into the
match having lost 10 of their last 11 outings together in all competitions.
Not even the raucous home support at the purpose-built
indoor court inside Seville's Olympic stadium could will them to victory,
Argentina's success delighting the outnumbered but vocal traveling fans.
Nalbandian and Schwank converted five of their six break
points and saved all three they faced with an efficient display of serve and
volley and sealed victory when Verdasco netted a simple volley.
"It's clear that today was not a good match from our
side," Spain captain Albert Costa said on Spanish television. "But
tomorrow we have two more chances to win this Davis Cup."
