Paul, the Octopus turns into Nostradamus of the animal kingdom

Whole world is going gaga over Paul,the psychic Octopus. When the FIFA World Cup began, so did the journey of Paul towards becoming an icon. He has more than fulfilled his prophecy as he has been predicting the results with pin point accuracy.

Football fans across the world are mesmerized by Paul, the tentacled marvel. No other animal has evoked mass hysteria like Paul has. He has already become the darling of the masses especially the Spanish speaking populace.

Getting the prediction right once may be considered a fluke by the most. But getting it right for almost 5 consecutive times is a gift even though logic defies the claim. If you have ever heard of sixth sense, this must be it.

No, I am not referring to Manoj Shyamalan and Bruce Willis starrer, 'Sixth Sense'. But you cannot help but marvel at this eight tentacled Oracle Octopus called Paul.

He has taken the world by storm. Today, his popularity can even rival some of the star footballers who failed to live up to their reputations and expectations from their dejected fans.

If his predictions of the grand finale comes true, then, Paul will be immortalized as the greatest animal psychic reader of all time. So much so that he will be hailed as the Nostradamus of the animal kingdom. His popularity has soared as he has captivated the imagination of the entire world with his accurate gift of prediction.

I will rejoice and celebrate with the Spanish fans as Spain happens to be one of my most favourite European nations.

Now getting back to the grand finale, Paul has clearly declared SPAIN as the victor of the final against the flying Dutch. Whole of Spain will rejoice at his prediction and will become a toast of their entire nation.

When Germany lost, some frustrated German fans vowed to eat Paul and would relish every morsel of him. It was stated in the press by the Spanish officials that they will offer protection to the revered Paul, the eight tentacled Oracle Octopus from those who are baying for his blood.

If paul gets it right inadvertently on the midnight of Sunday, then he will cement his legacy as the 'Psychic Reader who always got it right'.

My mind says Spain and amazingly, my heart says Spain in unison.

This year, a champion tennis player who answers to the call of 'Rafa' aka Rafael Nadal, has won his second prestigious Wimbledon title. Congratulations to Spanish matador, Rafael Nadal!!

More importantly, When he won his maiden Wimbledon title, Spain went on to win their first ever major world tournament, European Championship in 2008. This year, Rafael Nadal went on to win his second Wimbledon title. Signs are ominous that Spain will seal their most famous victory in the 2010 FIFA World Cup grand finale and end their title drought.

What better motivation than having Mallorcan muscleman, Rafael Nadal cheering on the Spanish Football team tomorrow midnight just like he decimates his opponent. This year promises to be the 'Year of Spain in sports'.

Mind says Germany as heart says Spain in today's world cup Semi-final clash

After epic battles since the qualifiers, we have reached the business end of this prestigious football tournament. Now that flying dutch have already sealed their Final berth yesterday with a thrilling win over feisty Uruguay despite Diego Forlan's heroics.

Today's game reminds me of 2008 European Championships Final where this two great teams clashed for the Europe's supremacy. Then Spain emerged triumphant after El Nino, Fernando Torres scored the solitary goal in the 34th minute of the first half. When the final whistle was blown by the referee, Spain won their first ever major world championship.

Their history suggests that they are perennial underachievers of the world football. But this talented team has turned it around remarkably.

It's safe to say that they are on the cusp of history as glory beckons them. But today, a formidable adversary stands in front of them in the shape and form of rampaging Germany. They have decimated the team of the caliber of Argentina and silenced their critics for once and for all with their uncharacteristic blitzkrieg attacking game.

It has impressed everyone and left their critics gasping for breath. Some of them went to the extent of saying in an unabashed manner that this German team reminded them of the great Brazilian teams of yesteryear when they had legends like Romario, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos in their prime.

This German team commands respect and admiration of football fans across the beautiful globe. History suggests that this is the youngest German team sent to conquer the World Cup once again with their breathtaking assault on their opponents.

When you have precocious, young talent in the form of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Mueller, Mesut Oezil, Lukas Podolski to go along side seasoned pro like Miroslav Klose, then it will indeed be an arduous task for their opponents.

This is where Spanish Matadors have come into their own. They too boast of a dream lineup in the form of super striker, David Villa who happens to be a joint highest goal scorer and in hot pursuit of Golden Boot alongside a Flying Dutchman, Wesley Sneijder.

But this Spanish team commands the best midfield in the world in the form of Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandes, Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets along side central attacking defender Sergio Ramos and an agile goalkeeper, Iker Casillas. Their defense looks solid with Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique guarding the Spanish goal.

In the end, a team which controls the game from the outset and set the pace will end up being triumphant. This is where Spanish trio of super Xavi Hernandes, delightful Xabi Alonso & their decorated midfield maestro, Andres Iniesta control the tempo of the game with their sublime passing game.

As the German coach, Joaquim Loew said in the press conference, "There are several Messi's in this Spain lineup." It sums it all.

Many reckon that this is going to be the best match of this competition and will perfectly fit the bill of 'Final before the Final' clash.

My mind says Germany, but my heart says Spain!

Who will reign supreme in today's Semi-final clash? - The flying Dutchmen or the impressive Uruguay

First semi-final promises to be an extra ordinary battle between two continents - Europe represented by 'Flying Dutch', the Nederland against the Americas represented by the South Americans, Uruguay. They are two time former world champions. Even though they did it decades back before even I was born!

Nederland by history is known for their popular 'Total Football' approach which was adapted by their legendary play maker, Johann Cruyff. They are known for their beautiful style that is pleasing for the eyes.

Today, the elegant style of play started by their former legends has been passed on for generations. It is beautifully adopted by their current crop of players. Dutch is a joy to watch when in full flight. They have world class forwards and play maker in Wesley Sneijder, Rafael Van Der Vaart, Robin Van Persie and their masterful Arjen Robben.

Their defense looks solid with defensive midfielder, Mark Van Bommel and Heitenga handling their defensive duties in a safe and sound way.

But they need to overcome the constant menace of Diego Forlan. He has finally come alive in this world cup. This has been a renaissance time for Uruguay's Diego Forlan. He may not be as gifted as the Diego Maradona.

But he has given a glimpse into his abundant talent which has eluded him for his club sides so far.

He is simply amazing in set piece situations. His stunning free kick against Ghana which beat Ghana's goalkeeper fair and square was an unmistakable sign of his class which had been dormant till this mega event commenced.

In today's clash, the onus is completely with him to inflict an excruciating pain on the 'Flying Dutchmen'.

At least before the match is underway, Nederland starts as an overwhelming favourite.

Is there a last twist left in this World Cup before the grand finale? Only time will perhaps tell a different tale.

Who will it be today - samba boys Brazil or the elegant Dutch?

2010 Football World Cup is surely reaching a crescendo as first Quarter Final is about to kick off in few minutes. It will feature perennial favourites, Brazil takes on the impressive Dutch. I will be watching this 'Clash of Titans' with hawk eyes as this has a potential World Cup winner or at least, a Finalist.

What excites me is that it promises to be a close contest and a riveting one at that too. Hopefully, knowing the style of Brazil and Nederlands, there will be no dearth of exhilarating moments in store over the next 90 minutes. Both sides are known for their attractive style of football.

Over the years, Brazil has metamorphosed into a strong defensive unit who is rampaging on a counter attack. Unlike the star studded teams of the past, they play a waiting game to perfection. One mistake by the Dutch and Kaka, Danny Alves, Maicon, Luis Fabiano, Robinho and co. will ready to punish them severely.

But Dutch have the fire power in their arsenal as well with Arjen Robben marked a successful return after an injury lay off. Besides, Robben, Wesley Sneijder is in top striking form as well. Although Robin Van Persie caused a flutter with his outburst against their coach. He would like to forget his inane accusation that created quite a flutter in the Dutch squad and jitters in the Dutch camp.

I feel, Brazil although they do not possess the menacing Ronaldo - Rivaldo duo, terrific Ronaldinho and lightning quick Roberto Carlos anymore. But they have discovered new exciting talent who take more pride in representing their beloved country whose record has been nothing but phenomenal in arguably the most premiere tournament in sports history, Football World Cup.

Although they are not in the top gear, today, we may see them getting into the stride and mesmerize the Dutch before they know what hit them!

Get ready for an exhilarating football between two giants of the game. Sit back and enjoy the action unfold.

Viva La Brazil!