'Raul vital to Spain's chances' - Franz Beckenbauer

Real Madrid striker Raul is vital to Spain's chances of success at the World Cup finals in Germany, according to Franz Beckenbauer.

"Raul is Spain's best known player. I know he is injured but I believe their success will depend a lot on his fitness," the president of Germany's World Cup organising committee was quoted as saying yesterday.

The Spain captain suffered a partial tear of his cruciate ligament and damaged the cartilage in his left knee during Real's 3-0 defeat by Barcelona in November.

Instead of undergoing surgery, club doctors opted for a conservative programme of treatment in the hope that the player would make a more rapid recovery. He expects to be back playing again in March.

Beckenbauer added: "Everyone knows Spain's style of play. All they need is to come good in a major tournament and why not at this one?

"They are one of the main challengers for the title on a similar level to France, England, Italy, Germany and Argentina.

"Brazil are on a different level to everyone else and are the number one favourites without discussion."

Spain have been drawn in Group H for the World Cup finals with Ukraine, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.