Posted on 4/10/2008 7:01:53 PM

Tennis Betting Odds - Davis Cup Quarterfinal - Spain vs. Germany

By Nila Amerova

Bremen, Germany – Spain will be lead by top two Spaniards No.2 Rafael Nadal and No.5 David Ferrer in their Davis Cup quarterfinal tie against Germany. While the German line-up does not offer up the same depth found on Spain’s team, the dynamic of national team competitions is such that it can serve up unexpected results at any time. This is the first time Spain meets Germany in Davis Cup action. Bet on the Davis Cup quarterfinal tie between Spain vs. Germany at BetUS Sportsbook.

Spain vs. Germany

Match Time: Friday April 11- Sunday April 13, 2008

Bremen, Germany

Friday

Nicolas Kiefer (GER) v Rafael Nadal (ESP)

Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) v David Ferrer (ESP)

Philipp Kohlschreiber/Philipp Petzschner (GER) v Feliciano Lopez/Fernando Verdasco (ESP)

Sunday

Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) v Rafael Nadal (ESP)

Nicolas Kiefer (GER) v David Ferrer (ESP)

Analysis: World No.2 Rafael Nadal will open the quarterfinal rubber against Nicolas Kiefer of Germany, a player he holds a 1-0 lifetime record over owing to a R32 victory at the ATP Masters Series in Miami a fortnight ago. Nadal arrives in Bremen on the heels of a runner-up finish in Miami, and with a circuit-leading 21 match-win mark. Nadal owns a 7-1 record in Davis Cup singles play and is returning to lead his country since September 2006 World Cup playoff tie against Italy.

Germany, who has won the Davis Cup three times, have won nine of 13 meetings to date, but two of the last three have gone to Spain, the competition winners in 2000 and 2004. Germany hosts the Spaniards in this quarterfinal tie, giving them the home court edge.

However, based on individual tournament play, it is hard to see the Spaniards as nothing less than overwhelming favourites. In terms of ranking, the combined duo of Nadal and Ferrer outrank their German opponents by far. On this indoor hard court, which is more hard court than carpet, the Spaniards should not run into the same problems that saw them lose 4:1 against Netherlands in 2001 during their Davis Cup defence campaign.

Betting Verdict: The reinstatement of Nadal gives the Spaniards a much needed confidence boost and an edge over the Germans. If Nadal plays true to the form that has seen him take the circuit lead in match wins, his efforts alone would give Spain 2 wins. The pressure would then fall on his team members – most likely Ferrer—to win one of his two matches to give Spain the triumph that will see them through to the final four.

Nadal head-to-head record:

Nadal leads 1-0 against Kiefer

Nadal leads 4-0 against Kohlschreiber

Ferrer head-to-head record:

Ferrer leads 2-1 against Kohlschreiber

Ferrer trails 0-1 against Kiefer

Davis Cup Free Picks: Spain to win

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room.