Carlos Moya was the hero of the hour, the man who missed his country's only previous win in the 104-year-old competition in 2000 with back trouble, securing the all-important third point with a 6-2, 7-6, 7-6 victory over Andy Roddick.

Roddick, so near and yet so far in a season spent largely in the shadow of Swiss star Roger Federer, this time had to bow to Moya's superior claycourt skills and burning desire to make up for four years ago.

The 22-year-old American also had to doff his cap to Rafael Nadal, the 18-year-old Spanish hurricane, who blitzed him in four sets on the opening day after Moya had first easily seen off Mardy Fish.

Nadal's participation made him the youngest ever champion at the age of 18 and 195 days and showed Spain's extraordinary strength in depth.

The youngster from Mallorca, the Balaeric island from which Moya also hails, made it three key wins in as many ties in this his debut season with his success at Roddick's expense.

The teen had only been expected to play the doubles alongside Tommy Robredo.

However, lingering fitness doubts over Juan Carlos Ferrero meant the Spanish number two had to swallow his pride and sit on the bench as Nadal made history in front of a record-busting final crowd of 27,000.

Ferrero and Robredo then made an unhappy couple as they conceded the doubles to Bob and Mike Bryan, the US tennis twins keeping Patrick McEnroe's Team USA in the hunt Saturday.

But Moya ensured that Spain would get their just desserts, a second title, slaying Roddick to render the final rubber meaningless -- just as well as Mardy Fish would go on to beat Robredo with young bull Nadal rested by skipper Jordi Arrese.

"Three finals in the last five years make Spain the best team in the world," former French Open winner Ferrero observed after hero of the hour Moya clinched the Cup at Seville's Olympic Stadium.

The 28-year-old from Mallorca won on his fourth match point when Roddick chopped a return into the net in a third set tiebreak to deny the Americans a 32nd title and first since 1995.

Moya moved to banish any thoughts that Ferrero, furious not to have been chosen for the singles, had not played a full part in the win.

"It was a victory by all the team. Nothing can beat this feeling for me," said the 28-year-old Moya.

"To win the Davis Cup was my dream. To get the winning point is really something," said Moya whose tournament record now reads 20-7 after he scored his first win in four career meetings with Roddick.

Nadal, given a huge cheer at the victory ceremony, told the exuberant fans that this was only the beginning as Spain captured the huge trophy.

"This would not have been possible without this great crowd. We'll see each other again, that's for sure," said the teen left-hander confidently.

"It was an historic victory."

Nadal added that Moya had not sought advice on how to beat Roddick.

"He had already played Roddick three times. He has his own opinion. He is a good champion and he did it himself."

Ferrero said he took comfort in the fact that he now has two wins to his credit, having himself come in from the sidelines in 2000 to replace Alex Corretja and record two singles wins over Australia before taking a back seat this time.

"This is the second Davis Cup I have won and I am only 24 so it's a major feat for me to win it again. I hope it's not the last one.

"I have no reason to be unhappy," he insisted.