Soccer fans seeking help on 'predicting' the outcome of tomorrow's World Cup Final match between Spain and Netherlands, now have two unusual sources to turn to - An octopus and a parakeet. And, since they have predicted different outcomes, one of them is sure to prove its pyschic powers!

Paul, a two-year old octopus, that resides at a Sea-Life center in Oberhausen, Germany, first displayed his psychic prowess during the 2008 European Football Championships. When presented with a choice of two boxes, each containing food and marked with flags of the competing teams, he would make his 'prediction' by taking the food from one of the boxes. Though he was right only 80% of the time, it was enough to establish his credibility as a pyschic!

His World Cup prediction record has been much better - So far, he has accurately foretold the outcome of all of Germany's six matches, including its defeat by Spain, which bolstered his reputation ten-fold! When asked to select which team would win tomorrow's final, Paul immediately went for the the box with the Spanish flag!

However, Paul has strong opposition from Mani a Malaysian-born parakeet, who as an astrologer's assistant, has five years of experience predicting the future, on topics ranging from careers to matrimony.

And, while she's new at sports predictions, Mani, who conveys her thoughts by picking up the right card, has so far, been as accurate as Paul in her World Cup predictions. She had picked underdog Netherlands when they were pitted against Brazil, and has now sided with them again, for tomorrow's championship game.

So the 2010 World Cup Final is not just about the soccer skills of the two teams, but also, about Paul and Mani's ability to forsee the future! if you wish to join the fray, be sure to add your predictions below!

sources: worldcupblog.com, guardian.co.uk