Cedrik-Marcel Stebe salvaged some pride for Germany by beating Eduardo Schwank 7-6 (1), 7-5 in a consolation win against Argentina in the first round of the Davis Cup on Sunday.
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 on 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.
