UPDATE 1-Tennis-Israel beat Russia to reach Davis Cup semi-final

* Israel earn unbeatable 3-0 lead over Russia

* Israel will face either Spain or Germany

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By Ori Lewis

TEL AVIV, July 11 (Reuters) - Israel reached the Davis Cup semi-finals for the first time on Saturday after Andy Ram and Jonathan Erlich gave them an unbeatable 3-0 lead over Russia in their World Group quarter-final.

The experienced pairing of Ram and Erlich thrilled the home supporters to beat Russia's Marat Safin and Igor Kunitsyn 6-3 6-4 6-7 4-6 6-4 in the doubles.

"Everybody has dreams but there are some you don't allow yourself to have and beating Russia 3-0 was just like that... but we have done it," Erlich said.

Ram added in a courtside interview: "For the first time I have absolutely nothing to say, usually I just can't stop talking and I started to cry like a little boy."