During the 2010 World Cup a German octopus amazed the world with its accurate prediction of the winners of football matches. 

In an attempt to recreate the feat, the Malta National Aquarium tested its own octopus' psychic powers... and failed miserably. 

Not only did the Saudis not win the game - they were roundly demolished 5-0 by hosts Russia.

With a bit of luck Dennis will not end up on somebody's plate as a result of it being an un-exeptional octopus.

There is still hope, however, for Achilles the cat who successfully backed the Russian side.

When presented with the choice between two bowls of food, the white feline backed his home nation, dismissing Saudi Arabia's chances.

The cat from St Petersburg is a resident of the world renown Hermitage museum and the fact that he is deaf is something his minders say allows him to avoid being easily distracted by onlookers while making his prediction.