Argentina, Russia, Croatia almost through

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NEW YORK, Mar 7 (AP): Argentina, Russia and Croatia swept their singles to be on the verge of reaching the Davis Cup quarterfinals Friday.

Former champions the United States, Germany and France needed comebacks to even their ties, while all the drama in the politicised Sweden-Israel match at Malmo was on the court rather than off it.

Also, Spain looked like starting its title defence in the blockbuster first-round tie with Serbia Saturday after the strong winds that damaged the temporary stadium in Benidorm subsided to allow repairs.

Argentina led the Netherlands 2-0, as did Russia over Romania, and Croatia against Chile.

The Argentines, whose decade-long unbeaten run at home was ended by Spain in last year's final, were given a scare when Juan Ignacio Chela took nearly four hours to beat unheralded Jesse Huta Galung 6-2, 2-6, 6-2, 6-7 (4), 6-2.

Juan Monaco responded to the home side's shaky start by rubbing out Thiemo De Bakker 6-1, 6-2, 7-6 (1).