Ferrer: I'd buy a win on Friday

David Ferrer admits he would be delighted if Spain is still level with Argentina following the opening day's action at the Davis Cup final in Mar del Plata later this week.

Host Argentina is now firm favourites to lift the trophy following the injury withdrawal of world No.1 Rafael Nadal from the Spain team, even though the Spanish have won both previous Davis Cup meetings between the two down the years.

Argentina will be looking to justify that favourites tag when the final starts on Friday with the opening two singles rubbers, and world No.12 Ferrer knows it is vital Spain avoids going 2-0 down if possible.

"Would I sign now for a 1-1 on Friday? Not only would I sign for it, I would pay for it if necessary," he said.

Spain is looking for its third Davis Cup title, having previously won in 2000 and 2004, however both of those successes have been at home and all three of its final appearances away have ended in defeat.

Argentina has never won the cup, but has reached the final twice before when it lost to the USA in 1981 and Russia in 2006 - both away.

The Argentineans have not been beaten at home since 1998, 13 matches ago, and Ferrer admits: "I think that the team who plays at home is always favourite, this is how it is and always will be."

"With Rafa we were not favourites and now without him we are even less so, but just the same we need to give everything on the court, playing every point as if it was the last because all of them will be important."