AMSTERDAM, Netherlands -- Spain knows it will not find it easy to begin the defense of its Davis Cup crown in Eindhoven on Friday on a surface as different as possible from the clay they find so comfortable.

	Juan Carlos Ferrero sets off a Spanish celebration after beating Lleyton Hewitt in Barcelona during the Davis Cup final last year.

"The tie against the Netherlands is difficult because it is being played on such an unusual surface -- one on which we are unlikely to play again," said Alex Corretja.

The Netherlands chose the fast supreme surface to suit a serve and volley game, but their greatest exponent of power tennis, former Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek has had to pull out of the squad through injury.

"The absence of Krajicek is very important, because he is a key player for the Dutch," Corretja, who will play doubles with Juan Balcells, said. "But we should be more concerned about our own team and our need to prepare properly for the tie."

"Playing without Krajicek is a loss. Until last week we thought we had a real chance to win, especially on this fast court, now it is less likely," captain Tjerk Bogstra said.

Unknown Raemon Sluiter was selected ahead of the more experienced Jan Siemerink to replace Krajicek, who is recovering from an elbow injury.

The 22-year-old will open the tie on Friday against Juan Carlos Ferrero, who almost single-handedly demolished Australia during the 2000 final.

But Sluiter, who has never played Ferrero, is confident he has a chance against the Spaniard ranked 44 places higher in the Champions' Race.

"If this were to be played on clay I could shake his hand in advance, but on this fast court in Eindhoven I can fight him," he said.

Another bonus for the Spanish team is the return of in-form 1998 French Open champion Carlos Moya, who reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open last month. Moya will face Sjeng Schalken in Friday's singles matches. Moya, 24, is upbeat about his team's chances in the tie.

"We have a very strong team, capable of beating anyone anywhere. If I didn't think we could win I would have stayed at home."

Schalken, teamed up with with Paul Haarhuis for the doubles, had a good dress rehearsal, winning the doubles tournament in Milan last week.

Spain captain Juan Avedano said that the 20-year-old Ferrero has adapted quickly to the new surface.

"We are all prepared to sweat it out to make sure we get through this round. I am not sure if we are the favorites, but I do know that we are going to win," Ferrero said.