Germany's 'Octopus oracle' keeps perfect record

It will not come as much of a consolation to heartbroken German fans, but at least Paul, Germany's now world-famous "Octopus oracle", has maintained his perfect record.

The "psychic" creature has correctly predicted all six of Germany's FIFA World Cup™ games and, amid excruciating drama broadcast live on national television on Tuesday, plumped for Spain, causing anguish up and down the country. And the eight-legged soccer soothsayer was spot on Wednesday, as Carles Puyol's semi-final header shattered Germany's dreams of winning their fourth world crown.

Brazil finish top, Portugal do enough

Before a ball had been kicked, Group G was considered to be the toughest section at 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, with three candidates likely to vie for the two qualifying places. But in the end, the Lusophone countries won the day, as an unbeaten Brazil topped the group and Portugal took second spot without conceding a goal.

Côte d’Ivoire lived up to expectations, but their haul of four points in three games meant that they missed out on the second qualification place. Only Korea DPR bowed out without opening their account, as their three matches brought no points and 12 goals conceded, the only highlight being their goal against the Brazilians.