An Octopus accurately predicts the result of every single one of Germany’s matches in the World Cup. And how is it rewarded? Calls to make it into Paella!
Paul the Octopus
Paul the Octopus has become just as famous as the 2010 World Cup itself, with his psychic ability to predict the results of Germany’s 2010 World Cup matches. The 2-year-old octopus, which was born in England and now resides in the small German town of Oberhausen, has been eagerly looked to since the start of the World Cup for an insight into whether Germany would proceed to the next round in South Africa.
Paul’s Psychic Methods
Paul’s oracular conclusions are presented by having two clear boxes placed into Paul’s tank: one donning the flag of Germany and the other box, Germany’s opposition. Paul studies both boxes, and proceeds to climb into the box of the team that is to win the match.
Paul’s methods were first put into action during the 2008 EUFA European Football Championships, in which Paul accurately predicted the results of five out of six of Germany’s matches.
During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Paul has been one hundred percent accurate in his predictions of Germany’s campaign. His predictions are now so trusted, that gamblers are entering their bets based on what the octopus oracle reveals.
An Unknown Future for Paul the Octopus
When Paul declared that Germany was to beat Argentina, the Argentinians’ reaction was to return the mollusk to its rightful place – on a plate as part of a paella! But Paul’s role as oracle was still valued by the Germans – after all, Germany was still in the running for the World Cup title.
When Germany was predicted to lose the semi-final to Spain, the German population awaited the game with baited breath, hoping that this time, Paul had been wrong in his assumption of the match’s outcome. When Germany lost 1-0 to a Spanish header goal, the Octopus’ future was under question. Had Paul jinxed the match? Did he bring about Germany’s defeat? Was he to blame for the loss of the title?
The Germans agreed with the Argentinians, calling for Paul to be boiled, beaten, eaten, and turned into a seafood dish. Hundreds of recipes for Paul’s dishes quickly appeared all over the Internet.
The Spanish Prime Minister, Jose Zapatero, has joked he will send a protective convoy to ensure the octopus is safe, or offer Paul asylum in Spain. But perhaps that will change depending on Paul’s prediction for Sunday’s final.
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