Nalbandian gets set to take on Croatia in Davis Cup semi

David Nalbandian gets Argentina's Davis Cup quarter-final tie against Croatia underway on Friday as the South Americans confront a record run of heartbreak in the competition.

Argentina, last year's runners-up, hold the unwanted record for reaching the most Davis Cup finals without winning the title, having now fallen in four finals.

Nalbandian begins against Croatian number one Marin Cilic before the battle of the big men - Juan Martin del Potro at 6ft 6in against Ivo Karlovic at 6ft 10in - features in the second rubber.

The last time Argentina lost a home tie on clay was against the Slovak Republic in 1998.

If Argentina win this weekend they are guaranteed to have a home semi-final against the winner of Czech Republic v Serbia.

Nalbandian has won all four previous meetings against Cilic.

"Every match is different. But of course, when you have already played against a guy it's better because you know what to do, what are his best shots," said the Argentine.

But Cilic hit back: "I think the record doesn't matter too much. We played a few weeks ago (Indian Wells Masters) and it was a close match. It's going to be really entertaining for the crowd and a big challenge for me to play against him in front of his own crowd."

Friday (1330GMT start)

David Nalbandian (ARG) v Marin Cilic (CRO)

Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) v Ivo Karlovic (CRO)

Saturday (1530GMT)

David Nalbandian/Eduardo Schwank (ARG) v Marin Cilic/Lovro Zovko (CRO)

Sunday (1330GMT)

Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) v Marin Cilic (CRO)

David Nalbandian (ARG) v Ivo Karlovic (CRO)