MOVE aside Paul the Octopus, it's time to make way for Mani the Parakeet, Singapore's avian football analyst.
Although Paul correctly predicted Germany's win against England, everyone knows that was just a lucky guess.
Paul is an octopus that lives at the Sea Life Centre in Oberhausen, Germany.
He has attained superstar status for his spot-on World Cup predictions.
But unlike Paul, an amateur living in a world-class aquarium, Singapore's Mani is a working professional, who has to strive hard for his keep.The plucky 13-year-old parakeet only has a dingy little cage to call home, although he is taken care of with tender loving care.
He and his master, fortune-teller Mr Muniyappan, ply their trade along the narrow five-footways of Little India, awaiting customers.
Their clientele? Curious locals and tourists who want a peek into their future
2 days ago, The New Paper found the prophetic duo along Serangoon Road.
Mani was squawking noisily when this reporter approached Mr Muniyappan with trepidation.We asked: 'Can Mani predict who will win the quarter-final matches of the World Cup?'
No reply from the 70-year-old Mr Muniyappan. The wizened man pointed at the cards in our hands and gestured towards his table.
Game on. First up was Brazil's showdown with Holland.Mani was swift.
He rushed out of his cage without any coaxing from Mr Muniyappan and snapped up the Dutch card.Indeed, a portentous omen for the Samba boys, who are looking to win their sixth World Cup.
Next up was Uruguay and Ghana, Africa's remaining hope in the tournament.
Alas, it looks like Africa will have to wait another four years.
Mani was again swift in his decision, snapping up the card for Diego Forlan's Uruguay before trooping back to his cage.
But it was a different story for Germany and Argentina.
Even when his cage door was opened, Mani stood his ground and only came out after much coaxing from Mr Muniyappan.
Difficult tie
Out of his cage, the parakeet cocked his head as he eyed the cards before him. Somehow he knew that it was a difficult tie which could go into extra time.
After all, even Paul the amateur took some time before picking the Germans to triumph over Argentina.It was a tense few moments as The New Paper team looked on with bated breath.
Eventually, Mani made his decision - he picked up Germany's card, but not before squawking twice confidently.Looks like fans will not get to see a naked Maradona streak through the streets of Johannesburg. Perhaps it is for the better.
The last match-up was another no-brainer for our bird-brained friend.
Mani picked the Spaniards without batting a wing, stamping Europe's authority over their South American challengers, Paraguay.
There you have it, Mani's picks - Holland, Uruguay, Germany and Spain.
Unlike the amateur from Germany, Mani is prepared to risk his reputation on all four results and not just one.
Mani is wrong when it picks Uruguay to win against Holland
However, he pick Spain to win against German. (Result = Spain won by 1-0)
Source:http://tnp.sg
TNP PICTURES: GAVIN FOO
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