INQUIRER Sports

POREC -- Croatia, the 2005 champions, knocked the United States out of the Davis Cup on Sunday with 3-2 victory in their quarter-final.

Marin Cilic took an unassailable 3-1 lead by defeating James Blake 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 in the fourth rubber, paving the way for Croatia to entertain the Czech Republic in the semi-finals in September.

Cilic dominated much of the 2hr 42min match and had an opportunity to finish it off earlier when he had a break in the third set at 2-0.

However, poor concentration allowed Blake, 29, to hit back and keep the rubber alive by grabbing the third set.

But 20-year-old Cilic broke at the start of the fourth set for a crucial 3-0 lead.

"It was one of the best matches in my career. It is a great honor to play for your country," said world number 15 Cilic.

"Blake was an excellent opponent, but I managed to play at a high level. I was attacking all the time.

Croatia coach Goran Prpic said: "The stakes were high and we had an opportunity.

"Blake showed in the important moments that he is a top player, but Marin mobilised all his strength."

Blake added: "Congratulations to Cilic. Today I simply couldn't match his game."

In the last dead rubber, Bob Bryan defeated Roko Karanusic 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4).

The Americans, who were missing injured Wimbledon finalist Andy Roddick, were also defeated by Croatia in the first round in 2003 and 2005.