Goffin puts Belgium 1-0 against Argentina in Davis Cup

David Goffin gave hosts Belgium the first point of their Davis Cup world group semi-final clash against Argentina on Friday by beating Federico Delbonis 7-5, 7-6 (7/3) 6-3.

Leonardo Mayer will bid to pull the South Americans back into the tie when he takes on Steve Darcis at the 8,000-capacity Forest National arena south-west of Brussels.

"My rival didn't give anything away and it was a difficult match but I got through in three sets because I was tough mentally," said Goffin. "I had no doubts, I was always ahead," added the 15th-ranked player.

Neither country has ever won the Davis Cup with Belgium reaching the final just once in 1904.

Argentina, who are contesting a 10th semi-final since 2002, will look to 39th-ranked Mayer for a lift as he comes off a seven-match winning streak in Davis Cup -- including a record-breaking victory over Joao Souza in the first round, which lasted six hours and 43 minutes to keep Argentina's title bid alive.

Captain Johan Van Hercke's side ousted titleholders Switzerland, without stars Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka in the first round, and then Canada, who were missing Milos Raonic and Vasek Pospisil in the quarter-finals.

Belgium will meet either Great Britain or Australia in the finals.
Source: AFP