Wednesday, July 7, 2010

UPDATED - The psychic octopus is at it again


A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about an allegedly 'psychic' octopus in Germany, and provided a video clip of the critter. It's said to have predicted the result of all Germany's matches in the World Cup so far.

According to the BBC, the octopus' latest prediction isn't so comforting for home-team fans.

A "psychic" octopus in Germany, which appears to have correctly predicted every World Cup game involving the national team so far, has picked Spain over Germany in the semi-final.

Paul, from the Sea Life Aquarium in the western city of Oberhausen, chose a mussel from a jar with the Spanish flag instead of one with a German flag.

The two-year-old cephalopod has become a national celebrity.

According to his owners, he has a record of predicting German results.

They say Paul chose the winner in nearly 70% of Germany's games during the 2008 European Championship.

He correctly predicted all five of the team's previous World Cup games - including a shock defeat by Serbia in the group stages.

His prognosis ahead of Wednesday's World Cup semi-final was broadcast live on German TV.

Correspondents says Paul's plumping for Spain has caused alarm in the country, but some analysts point out that his predictive powers are not perfect.

During Euro 2008 he wrongly picked Germany as the victor against Spain.


I fear that if Paul's got it right, he might end up as calamari for the losers' dinner!



Peter

UPDATED TO ADD: The octopus got it right! Spain defeated Germany 1-0 in this afternoon's match.

1 comment:

Noons said...

Yeah! Awesome!
And now some of the locals are demanding that Paul be eaten!...