West Germany's 1974 World Cup winner Franz Beckenbauer claims the 80 million football fans in Germany can drive the host nation to glory at the World Cup finals.

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Beckenbauer, head of the World Cup organising committee, admits Germany are not the best team in the competition but believes fan power can compensate for that.

"If we were not at home then we would not be among the favourites," Beckenbauer said in his column in Bild newspaper.

"But we are co-favourites simply because we are at home. The German public can push us to the final.

"Germany have had their best games when they have been urged on by their own fans.

"In German stadia there are eight wins, four draws and only one defeat (under Klinsmann). And that loss was against Brazil in the Confederations Cup. It offers promise for the World Cup."

Germany start as second favourites for the trophy behind holders Brazil with England, Argentina and Italy touted as the other contenders.

Jurgen Klinsmann's team defeated Luxembourg 7-0 on Saturday in Freiburg and Beckenbauer senses the fans are starting to get excited with the finals less than a fortnight away.

"The atmosphere was not bad before, but now you really sense that everything is beginning to vibrate and everyone can't wait for the World Cup to start," he said.