Raul netted Spain's opener against Slovenia (Allsport)

By PA Sport Staff

Spain star Raul is enjoying this World Cup after the disappointments of France `98, when the Spanish squad caught the first plane home following an opening round nightmare.

The 24-year-old Real Madrid striker scored Spain's opening goal in their 3-1 win over Slovenia on Sunday just when it looked like they would get off to one of their traditionally shaky starts.

But it turned out to be Spain's first win in a World Cup opener for 52 years.

Now it seems Jose Antonio Camacho's men are flying.

``I feel I am a footballer in this competition,'' Raul told Marca.

``There were a lot of nerves in France, too many things to worry about and before I knew what was happening, I was back home watching it on TV.

``It was as if we'd never even been there.''

Now, four years later, Raul is recognised world-wide as a superstar.

``This time things are different and I want to enjoy all of the details so that in 10 or 15 years, I can look back on Korea and say `what a great time we had in that World Cup!''' said the striker, who is now a family man.

``I am missing my wife and my son, Jorge, but I spoke to them and I know Jorge watched the game wearing a Spain shirt. They give me a lot of support.

``We can do more,'' Raul added.

``The three points are going to help us relax, but now we have two vital games - against Paraguay and South Africa.

``It was a win to help us grow and although the feeling is positive, we are not going to relax.''