MAR DEL PLATA, Argentina (AP):

Fernando Verdasco defeated Jose Acasuso 6-3, 6-7 (3), 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 yesterday, giving Spain their third Davis Cup title after upsetting Argentina in the final.

The Spaniards overcame the absence of injured No. 1 Rafael Nadal to reach an unassailable 3-1 lead in the best-of-five series, in front of a boisterous Argentine crowd at Islas Malvinas Stadium.

Verdasco, replacing David Ferrer in the reverse singles, overcame nine double-faults to beat a shaky Acasuso in 3 hours, 56 minutes. The 48th-ranked Acasuso was a late replacement for the injured Juan Martin del Potro, Argentina's top-ranked player at No. 9.

Celebration

It is Spain's first Davis Cup title win on the road, adding to their home victories in 2000 and 2004.

After winning match point, Verdasco dropped to the ground in celebration and was embraced by the rest of the team.

The result snapped a 10-year unbeaten home streak for Argentina, which last lost in front of their fans in 1998 to Slovakia. It was their first final at home.

The fans cheered loudly throughout the three-day final, and chanted "Argentina, Argentina," even after Acasuso's loss.

Argentina had entered the final heavily favoured to win their first title after Nadal withdrew last week because of a knee injury.

Doubles' victory

But, despite the support of nearly 10,000 fans, Acasuso was not able to keep up with Verdasco, who had played well in the doubles' victory alongside Feliciano Lopez. Acasuso served 14 aces, but his 47 unforced errors kept him from breaking through.

Acasuso had won his only other match against Verdasco, whose Davis Cup singles record improved to 4-3. Acasuso is 5-3.

The 20-year-old Del Potro, one of the hottest players on tour this year, injured his right thigh in a four-set loss to Lopez last Friday.

Verdasco came in for David Ferrer after he lost his singles match in three sets to David Nalbandian, also on Friday.

Spain's doubles win on Saturday ensured they needed just one victory on the final day to clinch the title, while the Argentines were left with the difficult task of having to win both matches yesterday.