POREC, Croatia — The United States States was eliminated by Croatia in the Davis Cup quarterfinals today when Marin Cilic beat James Blake 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2.

Cilic's victory on indoor clay gave the host nation an insurmountable 3-1 lead and put Croatia in the semifinals for the first time since it won the Davis Cup in 2005.

"I think I played a perfect match against Blake," the 20-year-old Cilic said. "This is one of the most important victories in my career."

The Americans have lost all three meetings against Croatia in the Davis Cup, after defeats in 2003 and 2005. The U.S., which won the competition two years ago, was bidding to reach the semifinals for the fourth straight year.

The Croats will play the Czech Republic in September. The Czechs won 3-2 at home against Argentina on Sunday.

"We have a great chance against the Czechs at home," Cilic said. "It's much better than playing Argentina away."

In other quarterf inals, Spain advanced 3-2 at home against Germany and will meet Israel in the semifinals. Israel clinched its series against Russia on Saturday and completed a 4-1 victory Sunday.

The U.S. was without Andy Roddick, who withdrew because of a hip injury after losing a five-set final to Roger Federer at Wimbledon. That left Blake as the Americans' No. 1 singles player.

"It shows how important Andy is for the team," Blake said. "Being on the No. 2 spot is less pressure than playing on the No. 1 spot."

Croatia took a 2-0 lead after Ivo Karlovic rallied past Blake and Cilic outlasted Mardy Fish in five sets in Friday's opening singles. Bob and Mike Bryan beat Croatia's Roko Karanusic and Lovro Zovko in Saturday's doubles.

Cilic started tentatively and had to save two break points in his first service game, but then broke Blake twice in the opening set. In the second set, Blake made a series of unforced errors on his backhand, and double-faulted on Cilic's s et point.

Cilic then wasted five break points at 4-3 in the third and Blake broke for a 5-4 lead. But Cilic broke in the second game of the fourth and held on to win with a crosscourt forehand, prompting standing ovations from the boisterous crowd.

"I played well, trying to attack, but I missed too many opportunities," Blake said. "That's what happens when you play someone like Cilic."