German football legend Franz Beckenbauer on Thursday defended FIFA's decision to award the 2010 World Cup to South Africa after Bayern Munich boss Uli Hoeness had earlier voiced criticism.

Beckenbauer, a member of FIFA's executive committee, believes the tournament will be a good advert for the Republic.

"We will have sold-out stadiums and I am sure the tournament will be a great success," said Beckenbauer who both coached and captained Germany to World Cup triumph in 1990 and 1974 respectively.

"It was totally correct to give the World Cup to South Africa, because they can do it."

Beckenbauer's comments came just 24 hours after Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness ? who replaced Beckenbauer as head of the German giants ? slammed FIFA for giving the World Cup to South Africa.

"I was never a fan of the World Cup being held in South Africa, or anywhere on the African continent, as long as safety aspects are not clarified 100 percent," the Bayern boss had said.

But Beckenbauer says Hoeness was wrong about the tournament which is set to run from June 11-July 11.

"Hoeness said something, probably through misinformation, which is not correct," said Beckenbauer.

"It was not a bad decision to send the World Cup to South Africa.

"It would have been too early in 2006, but they are ready for the World Cup this year."

And while there are concerns about fans' safety in the Republic, Beckenbauer said there will be no problems as long as the fans are careful.

"If you are alone in Soweto at night, then you could be in trouble, but then you would not walk into the South Bronx of New York alone at night," said Beckenbauer.

"Security is not guaranteed in any country, just as it was not at Germany 2006.

"These things can of course happen, but people should go to South Africa with a positive feeling."