With the World Cup semi-finals set to kick off in South Africa, a "psychic" octopus in the city of Oberhausen, Germany has shocked his countrymen and thrilled the Iberian peninsula by picking Spain over Germany in tomorrow's highly anticipated match. Paul — whose clairvoyant process involves selecting food from one of two clear plastic boxes, each bearing the flag of a competing team — has earned international fame by successfully predicting the outcomes of Germany's games to date, including four wins and an upset loss to Serbia. Germany "shuddered" when Paul forecast a loss, says Eric Kelsey in Der Speigel. Somehow, the octopus even "seemed to sense that his prophecy would not be a popular one." Yeah, this is a real "bummer for all those German fans who believe in tooth fairies and Santa Claus," says GrrlScientist at Science Blogs. Watch Paul deliberate:
Paul the 'psychic' octopus makes an 'unpopular' prediction
An aging German cephalopod purportedly blessed with special powers shocks the Continent by predicting a Spanish victory in the World Cup semifinals
Recommended
Pope Francis hospitalized with respiratory infection

Pope Francis hospitalized with respiratory infection
Amsterdam launches campaign urging rowdy British men to 'stay away'

Amsterdam launches campaign urging rowdy British men to 'stay away'
France aspires to work by working less. Is it working?

France aspires to work by working less. Is it working?
Most Popular
How to watch 5 planets align in the night sky on Tuesday

How to watch 5 planets align in the night sky on Tuesday
'Rewilding' animals could help combat climate change, study finds

'Rewilding' animals could help combat climate change, study finds
Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe is going to be a dad
