An octopus named Paul has become an international celebrity in the World Cup due to his accurate predictions of the outcome for all six Germany matches to date - including their 1-0 loss to Spain on Thursday.

Originally born in England and now living in Germany, Paul has successfully picked out the winner of 11 matches with Germany, including five played in the 2008 European Cup.

However, employees of Sea Life in Oberhausen, where Paul lives, are refuting claims of superstition and have added scientific depth to his decision-making process.