The German team has experienced little success in recent years, last reaching the semi-finals in 1995. Despite a 3-2 defeat to USA at home in Ettenheim in the first round of the 2006 World Group and a loss to China in the Play-offs, Rittner said she was proud of her team.

"Four players did not come here for various reasons. I think we played really good matches, including the doubles match, and the atmosphere from the fans was great. From my side, I should say a big thanks to my team. There is a good future ahead of us. We will have a lot of fun together."

Belgium vs Italy in final

Kim Clijsters led Belgium to victoy over the United States in their Fed Cup semi-final yesterday, setting up a date on home turf with Italy in the final in September.

In a gritty display, Clijsters, the world No2, steamrolled her American opponent Vania King, standing in for Jill Craybas who had pulled out sick, in straight sets, 6-0, 6-1.

The win gave Belgium an unassailable 3-0 lead in the tie.

The tie was marked by missing stars with home favourite Justine Henin-Hardenne, as well as American heavyweights, the Williams sisters and Lindsay Davenport all absent.

Italy reached their first Fed Cup final yesterday when Flavia Pennetta overcame Spain's Lourdes Dominguez-Lino 6-2, 6-4 to give her team an unassailable 3-1 lead in their semi-final.

Spain, making their third consecutive semi-final appearance, trailed 2-0 after Saturday's opening singles rubbers but pulled a point back in Sunday's first match when Anabel Medina Garrigues powered to a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Italy's number one Francesca Schiavone.

However, the home side's hopes of a comeback victory were extinguished by Pennetta's gritty win in the suffocating heat.