Continuing in the tradition of animal predictions that began with the legendary Paul, the octopus in 2010 (RIP tentacled friend), the 2018 Football World Cup will feature Achilles, the snow white cat.
The lithe and furry feline has been named the official pre-match oracle for this summer’s tournament, after performing in last year’s Confederations Cup. Chosen for his affinity to humans, Achilles was born deaf but that seems to have only sharpened his precognitive abilities.
“This decision has been made, the papers have been signed,” said Maria Khaltunen, Press Secretary of Hermitage Cats to The Moscow Times.
Assuredly, this is not a circus trick: Achilles definitely lives up to his name. The cat had a 3-in-4 success rate in the prior competition that was also held on Russian soil.
Here’s what most don’t know about the wonder cat: An inhabitant of the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Achilles is one of the 50 cats who work full-time to protect the masterpieces that it houses.
He is currently in full-time training for his more esoteric summer job, working out physically and mentally, and somewhat reluctantly. He is also taking part in charity events, visiting children and the elderly in hospices, using his celebrity for good.
Talking of celebrity, the cat will soon get his own FAN ID to enter the FIFA 2018 stadiums.
Achilles looks all set to fill both his Greek namesake and his ‘psychic’ predecessor’s shoes this FIFA World Cup!
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