Spain To Win World Cup 2010, Octopus Paul Says

Spain will defeat Netherlands in Sunday's World Cup final, according to the latest prediction from Paul the psychic octopus.

Photo: Spain To Win World Cup 2010, Octopus Paul Says

To intense media interest on Friday morning, Paul, who has an unblemished record in the tournament so far, picked Spain as the victors in the Johannesburg final and also predicted that Germany will defeat Uruguay in Saturday's third-place play-off, according to ESPN.

Although Paul's predictions are now broadcast around the world, his marine-based clairvoyancy is proving divisive. After correctly guessing the outcome of Germany against Spain, Paul has faced death threats from within Germany.

Der Spiegel suggested he should be "fried alive in particularly rancid chip fat and served in an authentically German, dark, dank, greasy spoon caff in a corner of Oberhausen, smothered in mayonnaise and gravy."

But Spain's politicians have leapt to his defence, Prime Minister Jose Zapatero saying "I am concerned for the octopus ... I am thinking of sending him a protective team".

Environment and Fisheries Minister, Elena Espinosa, added "I shall be at the European Council of Ministers and I shall be asking for a [fishing] ban on Paul the octopus so the Germans do not eat him", CBSSports.com informs.