The debate as to which animal species serves as a better oracle will soon be decided, however. That's because Paul, a German-bred octopus who has a knack for picking World Cup winners, has laid his tentacles on a submerged Plexiglas box containing a Spanish flag. Translation? Spain beats the Netherlands.
Across the globe in Singapore, however, a second, highly scientific prognostication has brought about a second opinion. Mani, a parakeet with predictive powers equal to those of Paul, has picked up with his beak an index card that is printed with the tricolor flag of the Netherlands, indicating, of course, that this bird sees Dutch victory.
Whatever happens, one of these animals is sure to be out of a job come Monday.





