MADRID: Real Madrid icon Raul is already playing catch-up in Spain's
pre-World Cup goalscoring and popularity charts with his cross-city rival at
Atletico, Fernando Torres.
While the duo prepare to help Spain surpass a quarter-final exit at the hands
of South Korea four years ago, Torres has emerged as the man most likely to
become Spain's goalscoring hero.
After decades of underachieving in football's biggest rendezvous, a squad
filled with youth and promise could finally end Spain's reputation for choking
in the crucial stages.
The question is: can either Raul or Torres, or both, find the goals and match
the anticipated performances of their magic midfield.
While Torres, known as 'El Nino', is widely expected to play to his
potential, a huge question mark is hanging over Raul.
For the Spain skipper, the World Cup could be make-or-break time after this
season's nadir. A serious knee injury, a four-month lay-off and only five
Primera Liga goals comes in the wake of two previous, mediocre seasons.
But with 92 appearances and 42 goals for his country - a national record -
Spain coach Luis Aragones is still counting on his talismanic skipper.
"I know Raul and I know that he's going to play well. The statistics, the
goals and everything else tell me that Raul is the best," said Aragones.
The steady erosion of Raul's talents, however, has left many in Spain
wondering if their emblematic captain can turn his fortunes around.
And some sections of the Spanish press have been at pains to blame Raul's
knee injury, and current form on the number of years he has been playing at the
top level.
A professional since the age of 17, the 28-year-old's woes prompted one
leading newspaper to headline: "The years are beginning to weigh."
