British punters take Paul's lead for World Cup

British punters who had backed Holland to beat Spain in tomorrow's World Cup final are switching sides after Paul the octopus oracle predicted a Spanish win, bookmakers said.

"The 'Paul Effect' has turned the betting on its head with more punters backing Spain since the famous octopus gave his verdict," said a spokesman for Paddy Power bookies.

Paul has led the way with a perfect record of guessing six out of six winners from his aquarium home in western Germany, where he is given two boxes, each containing a mussel and the flag of the two competing World Cup teams.

In a ceremony shown live on German television yesterday, the English-born cephalopod wasted no time in plumping for the Spanish box ahead of tomorrow's match.

Before Paul's prediction, Paddy Power said it had seen 54 percent of the bets laid placed on the Dutch to win. But since then, 56 percent have gone on Spain.

"Whilst the shrewdies and big money punters are firmly backing Spain, Holland had been the more popular bet amongst the casual punters in terms of number of bets placed," said a spokesman.

"But since Paul's prediction on a Spain win we've taken more bets on the Spanish for the first time since the final line-up was known."

Paul's effect is not as strong at rival bookmakers' William Hill, who said people are suspicious of placing hard cash on the musings of an octopus.

"We have not changed our prices. We've had a few quick rushes on Spain after Paul's prediction, but I think our betters make their own decision rather than following the octopus," a spokesman said.