"I am convinced we are going to have a great tournament this time," Zapatero told reporters after meeting with the Spanish national team contingent for breakfast.

Zapatero gave them his best wishes for their World Cup campaign before leaving to play a final warm-up match in Switzerland against Croatia on Wednesday.

"I wanted to wish the national team the best of luck and to let them know that all the Spanish people are behind them as they leave for the finals," the Prime Minister said.

Zapatero said that the success of Spanish clubs Barcelona and Sevilla in the Champions League and UEFA Cup respectively this season will inspire the national team to do well in Germany.

"Spanish sport is in good shape at the moment as we have seen with Sevilla and Barcelona winning European trophies this season," he said.

Zapatero also praised coach Luis Aragones' selection for the World Cup.

"We have a good team, very young, which is also good for the future. They appear confident and enthusiastic and we have a coach (Luis Aragones) who is very shrewd."

The Prime Minister, who is an avid Barcelona fan, dished out praise for skipper Raul who plies his trade for Real Madrid.

"I really like Raul," Zapatero said. "He gives his all on the pitch and we have seen him playing well in the last few games."

He also hailed rising Barcelona star Andres Iniesta, saying: "It's not just because I'm a Barcelona fan, but objectively, at only 22 years of age, it's a real spectacle to watch him play."

Spain were held to a goalless draw by Russia before beating African champions Egypt 2-0 in their build-up for the World Cup.

They play their first match of the finals against Ukraine in Group H that also includes Saudi Arabia and Tunisia.