The most famous cephalopod in the world has made his prediction for Sunday’s World Cup Final clash between the Netherlands and Spain. Paul the octopus, who correctly predicted all six of Germany’s results during the World Cup, thinks Spain will win their first trophy on Sunday while Germany will claim the bronze for a second consecutive tournament.
Paul has developed a reputation for psychic abilities while on display at the Sea Life Aquarium in the western German city of Oberhausen. His predictions, made by pulling a mussel from a tank with a nation’s flag printed on the side, have been flawless thus far.
But not everyone loves the gifted octopus. Some Argentina fans, unhappy with the eight-legged tank dwellers role in their 4-0 embarrassment in the quarterfinals, have made death threats against Paul, threatening to eat him as revenge. Spanish prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero offered protection to Paul after he correctly predicted Germany’s defeat in the semi-final. “I am concerned for the octopus … I am thinking of sending him a protective team,” he said with a laugh.
The sentiment was echoed by Spanish environment and fisheries minister, Elena Espinosa, “On Monday, I shall be at the European Council of Ministers and I shall be asking for a [fishing] ban on Paul the octopus so the Germans do not eat him,” said Espinosa.
But Paul continues his punditry, unfazed by his international celebrity. Octopus’ only have a life expectancy of about five years but Paul, who is now approaching four years old, may still be around to aid oddsmakers in Euro 2012.