France beat two-time defending champion Spain for the first time since 1923 to reach the Davis Cup semifinals on Saturday.

French pair Michael Llodra and Julien Benneteau defeated Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez of Spain 6-1, 6-2, 6-7 (6), 7-6 (5) to secure an insurmountable 3-0 lead.

"It's magical," France captain Guy Forget said. "They pulled for each other. I hope it's just the start of a long story for that squad."

"This is a sad day for all the team," Spain captain Albert Costa said. "When you win, you feel like you're in heaven. When you lose, you feel like going to hell."

France will play its first semifinals since 2004 at home in September against either Russia or Argentina. Argentina led 2-1 in Moscow.