Belgium 1, Argentina 1
Brussels, Belgium – Hard (Indoors)

David Goffin kept his nerve to beat Argentina’s Federico Delbonis 7-5, 7-6(3), 6-3 on Friday to give Belgium an early lead. Goffin, who recorded his 10th singles win in 12 rubbers, completed the victory in two hours and 32 minutes.

“It was a tough one, but the atmosphere is amazing here in Brussels,” said Goffin during his post-match on-court interview. “I had the early breaks in the first two sets, but my opponent played really aggressively and made it tough for me to finish the sets. But in the end I am really happy to win today. To lead 1-0, it’s the perfect start.”

Argentina, the four-time finalist, evened the tie when Leonardo Mayer edged Steve Darcis 7-6(5), 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-3. The No. 64 Darcis held a 16-7 Davis Cup singles record coming into the match, but was vanquished in three hours and 54 minutes by the 39^th-ranked Mayer, who out-aced his opponent 24 to one. Both men were broken twice in the match, but Mayer held 13 break points to Darcis’ six.

Belgium is aiming to reach the final for the first time since 1904, when it made its debut in the international team competition.