World Cup 2014: Need to make a prediction for the action in Brazil? Ask one of these animals

After Paul the Octopus' death a number of mystics are looking to fill the void

Tom Sheen
Wednesday 11 June 2014 07:44 EDT
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Pablo the penguin
Pablo the penguin (SeaLife Centre)

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We all remember Paul the Octopus, who memorably predicted 11 out of 13 matches correct across Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup.

But following Paul’s death in 2010, a void has been left in the psychic animal world and number of mystics and clairvoyants are fighting to take his place.

They have come from all corners of the world, from the deserts of the Middle East to the south pole, and make their home the land and the sea.

With the World Cup due to start tomorrow, millions of people will be hoping for a sign that it might be their year.

Led by a colony of Penguins from Birmingham, we look at the contenders to Paul’s crown and one who tried and failed.

Let's hope one of these animals backs England.

Ahead of the opening game between host's Brazil and Croatia tomorrow, a loggerhead turtle called Big Head at a Brazilian sanctuary "predicted" that Luiz Felipe Scolari's men will prevail.

Those in charge of the turtle experiment stressed the prediction was just a bit of fun.

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