Spanish reputation

Spain captain Raul believes his country's reputation as a footballing power will be at stake when they play Slovakia in the first leg of a World Cup playoff on Saturday.

"We didn't perform at the expected level in qualification, we were inconsistent and it is our own fault that we are in the playoffs," said the Real Madrid striker.

"But we can't afford to slip up again. Our prestige is on the line and it would be a major disappointment if we didn't make it to Germany."

Spain, who last missed out on the finals when they were staged in West Germany in 1974, were forced to take the playoff route to the World Cup after finishing two points behind Serbia & Montenegro in Group Seven despite remaining unbeaten in their 10 qualifying matches.

The team's main problem was their inability to convert their domination of possession into goals, a weakness that meant they ended up drawing five of their qualifiers.

But with striker Fernando Torres ending his goal drought when he found the net five times in the team's final two qualifiers against Belgium and San Marino, Spain are confident that they will be able to live up to expectations.

"With the forwards we have we are bound to score," said Arsenal forward Jose Antonio Reyes. "Torres and Raul are both in form as are Fernando Morientes and David Villa if they play. I'm convinced we are going to score goals and win 3-0 or 4-0."