Spain thrive without Nadal

Spain's Davis Cup final win over Argentina gave a chance to the lesser-known players to emerge from Rafael Nadal's shadow and enjoy a moment in the spotlight, captain Emilio Sanchez Vicario said.

Spain pulled off a shock 3-1 win away to Argentina, ending the South Americans' 10-year unbeaten home run thanks to singles wins from Fernando Verdasco, ranked 16th in the world, and Feliciano Lopez, ranked 31st.

The two also paired up for victory in the doubles.

World number one Nadal missed the tie, which ended on Sunday with Verdasco beating Jose Acasuso in five sets, because of injury.

"I think Rafael Nadal has given us great possibilities and brought triumphs for the team, against Germany and the US, and it's thanks to his wins that we are here," Sanchez Vicario told reporters.

"But the players who are here deserve the repercussions. They have brought the team forward so they deserve all the headlines and the praise.

"A lot of people criticised me for not having a Plan B but these players were always there in the team's difficult moments and the Plan B has worked," he said.

Speaking on Spanish state television back home, Nadal praised both the team and Sanchez Vicario's work.

"It isn't possible for me to be any happier," he said.

"It's impressive what they have achieved, winning in Argentina where they have not been defeated for a long time, and in a difficult atmosphere, although it wasn't as bad as we had expected.

"Emilio has been great. He knew how to create this team spirit among all the players."

Sanchez Vicario went on to confirm that he would not be staying on.

"I will not be there (next year)," he said.

"I started three years ago and I have come to the end of the cycle. I hope the next man can share the magical moments I have enjoyed.

"This is the biggest prize I have won, including my playing career," said Sanchez Vicario, who won five doubles grand slam titles as a player.

Sanchez Vicario said that Verdasco, who trailed two sets to one and was perturbed by whistling as he served, bounced back after taking his mind off the crowd.

Verdasco was brought in to replace Spain's no.1 David Ferrer, who was easily beaten by David Nalbandian in Friday's singles.

"When I told him he wasn't going to play today, he gave motivation to Fernando and supported us all the way. It was a triumph for David and the team," added Sanchez Vicario.