'Psychic' octopus predicts Germany victory over England

The Frank Lampard goal that was ruled not a goal in the Germany versus England match in Bloemfontein, South Africa 27 June 2010. Germany won 4-1.

Millions of people around the globe watched the 4-1 demolition of England by Germany in the World Cup 2010 second round match in Bloemfontein, South Africa, last night 27 June 2010.

Millions of people also predicted which team will win and also the score margin.

Animals also predicted the outcome of the match too.

In Germany, a "psychic" octopus is said by its aquarium owners to have predicted the country's football team will knock England out of the World Cup.

When consulted, "Paul the octopus" chose a mussel from a jar with the German flag on it ahead of one in a similar jar bearing the cross of St George.

The two-year-old cephalopod has a record of predicting past German results in this manner, his owners say.

Paul has so far correctly predicted all of Germany's results in South Africa.

His keepers say he correctly predicted nearly 70% of Germany's results during the 2008 European Championship.

In that contest, Germany finished as runners-up in their qualifying group, having lost only once to Croatia.

They then progressed to the final, where they were beaten by Spain.

If keepers at the Oberhausen Sea Life Aquarium are right, he correctly predicted the outcome of four of the six games in that competition.

National celebrity

"Paul's prediction was phenomenal," said aquarium spokesman Tanja Munzig.

"He swam straight over to the German glass, climbed in and even put a lid on top once he was sitting inside."

The octopus, which was born in the UK and was moved to the German aquarium, has become a national celebrity after correctly predicting Germany would beat Australia in their opening match, then lose to Serbia, and then beat Ghana.

His latest prediction was flashed all over the German media.

The container that Paul opens first is said to be his pick for who will win the impending match, keepers say.

Germany finished the initial stage of the World Cup top of Group D, and face England, the runners-up from group C, in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

But Paul, my prediction is that this year 2010 World Cup will be won by a team from South America, based on the unique 48 years cycle.

Sorry Paul, you may predict Germany as world champion again... but the 48 years old said Brazil or Argentina or any South American team will win the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.