‘Psychic’ octopus predicts Germany’s downfall

Germany have been dealt a severe blow ahead of their World Cup semi-final with Spain after a “psychic” octopus predicted they would lose.

‘Paul the octopus’ has become a celebrity in Germany after his infamous skills of prophecy predicted German victories over Australia, Ghana, England and Argentina. The sea creature even predicted a Serbian success over the Germans in the group stages.

The British-born octopus currently resides in an aquarium in Oberhausen and this morning it was asked to select Germany or Spain as the winners of tomorrow’s clash.

Pieces of food were placed in two separate containers, one displaying the German flag, the other marked with the Spanish emblem.

The event was broadcast live across many German news channels, but the nation was left disappointed as after brief moment of hesitation, the octopus plumped for the Spanish box.

There is, however, still hope for Joachim Löw’s team yet. ‘Paul’ incorrectly selected Germany as winners prior to the Euro 2008 final when Spain triumphed courtesy of a Fernando Torres strike.