Marin Cilic, the singles world number six, was selected to play for the host nation despite winning a five set match yesterday.

He joined Ivan Dodig in the host nations’ line-up in the Zagreb Arena, while Juan Martin del Potro was brought into the Argentine doubles paring with Leonardo Mayer.

Both pairings were well matched in a tightly fought opening set, with the teams hoping to put their nation 2-1 up in the tie after yesterday's singles were shared.

The opener would be decided on a tie break, after neither paring were able to achieve a break, with Croatia ultimately winning 7-2.

Buoyed by taking the set, Croatia earned an early break in the second to appear to take full control of the match.

Argentina would hit back later in the set to force a second tie-break, but Croatia would again end the victors by a 7-4 scoreline.

The outcome appeared to demoralise the Argentine pair, with Cilic and Dodig easing to victory in the third set to wrap up a 7-6, 7-6, 6-3 triumph.

Croatia will claim the Davis Cup for the first time since 2005 should they win either of the singles matches tomorrow.

Cilic will hope to seal the victory when he takes on Del Potro in the first singles match, between the top ranked players on each team.

Ivo Karlovic of Croatia is then in line to meet Argentina's Federico Delbonis, if required. 

Argentina will be hoping to become only the third team to come from 2-1 down in the final to win since the tournament changed in 1981.

The South American country has never won the Davis Cup.