Meet Achilles – the Oracle of the Petrov? — The Cat Who Can Tell You Who Wins the World Cup
It’s not just your local pundits who think they can predict the outcome of Moscow’s first match. In the halls of St. Peterburg’s Hermitage Museum lives a feline named Achilles, a white cat who, according to his caretakers, has a bit of psychic flair.
The Dilemma: Two Bowls, One Big Decision
During a casual “pick your bowl” session, Achilles faced a dilemma: feed yourself with a humble bowl of kibble or a bowl emblazoned with the Russian flag? The cat didn’t rush. He sniffed the air, stared at both options, and after a moment of hesitation, chose the flag‑adorned bowl. Result: Russia gets the inside scoop.
Why Russian?
- Home advantage matters. Even though Russia is considered one of the event’s weaker teams, playing on home soil typically gives them a boost.
- Faith in feline intuition. Achilles’s choice is deemed a good omen for the host nation’s first clash.
- Courtesy of a deaf companion, the cat is free from crowd whispers, which experts say might otherwise bias his predilections.
Will the Cat’s Forecast Keep Up?
Officials at the Hermitage were discreet about the influence of national flags in Achilles’s decision-making, but fans enjoy watching the green eyes cast in the direction of victory. Whether the cat’s future is truly as precise as the scoreline, the enthusiasm of Russians and strangers alike is unmistakable.
Stay Tuned as the World Cup Kicks Off
From the opening whistle to the final whistle on July 15, the entire Russian landscape will host stadiums and street‑side screens. Meanwhile, Achilles will keep his ears flat, paws poised, and thousand‑is‑right‑prediction ready for the next game.
