It's viva Espana!

ONE to have always believed in the higher intelligence of animals, I am thrilled by the influence Paul, the Psychic Octopus has had over the world with his 'predictions'.

Soon enough the globe caught on to the legend of the psychic sea creature and before Paul could blink, he had his own Facebook following, the paparazzi was hounding him, betters were worshipping him and he was receiving his very own death threats.

Pretty impressive for a two-year-old octopus tucked away in a tiny aquarium in Germany.

And soon, the madness began and it seems the world is now filled with animals gifted with ESP. In India and Singapore, parrots and parakeets are hopping around, picking cards from boxes adorned with flags. In Sydney, Harry the Crocodile aggressively chomped on a chicken hanging under the Spanish flag, apparently predicting a tough fought match with Spain winning by a single goal. Elsewhere, Pino the Chimpanzee and an African Red River Hog chose the Netherlands.

To add to the supernatural atmosphere, the World Cup final was played just minutes after an eclipse. Talk about an epic cosmic clash!

After a tournament of shock upsets, defeats, cheers and tears and unexpected twists, the World Cup final proved to be one of the most riveting in television history.

Anxious about the result, I decided to consult someone with a mystic eye for the future. Sirius, the Psychic Dog.

Filling two bowls with his favourite dog chow and placing each under a flag, I called upon Sirius to use his 'gift' to pick a World Cup winner.

Pausing for a moment, deep in thought, calling upon the knowledge of his ancestors and the powers he had inherited from his cosmic name (Sirius is the Brightest Star in the Evening Sky, part of the constellation Canis Major), he cautiously moved forward, aware of the nail-clenching silence. He then gracefully lowered his head and nibbled upon the food under the Spanish flag. Sirius the Psychic Dog had made it clear.

Scientific and pragmatic as I am, I didn't want to get cocky without some solid reassurance. So I headed out to meet with the Psychic Snail. Pegging up the flags equidistant from Snail, I proceeded to back away and give him the space and time he needed to make the important decision.

Unfortunately, at this point in time, the Psychic Snail has not made a decision, perplexed and unmoved from his original position for the last 17 hours.

So, who would have the last laugh? We just had to wait and watch and let the players do the talking.

And that is just what they did!

After a brilliant well-fought battle, the rightful winners Spain emerged champions.

Considered the epitome of beautiful football, they played a good game to take home the trophy after Fernando Torres cleverly fed Fabregas and then Iniesta netted for Spain's match-winning goal in extra-time.

And then, there was an explosion as the first time winners reveled in the richly deserved euphoria as the glittering World Cup was hoisted up into the air, amidst fireworks and confetti.

The endless sea of red and yellow partied into the night to celebrate this ecstatic Spanish win. The Spanish perseverance, dedication and teamwork had finally paid off as they stand proud, on top, the rightful Kings of Football.

And, as the South African World Cup came to a close after a fantastic month of celebration and amazing football, the world continued to relish the magnificent after-taste. This definitely was a World Cup to remember.

And as for Paul, he'll be humbly pleased, basking in the media attention, after having being spot on in all his predictions, chuckling in his aquarium about the secrets of the future he already knows about.