World Cup 2018: Forget Paul the Octopus & Achilles the cat. Enter Babushka, SofaScore's human predictor.

We're hours from the official launch of the 2018 FIFA World Cup with the host country, Russia, playing against Saudi Arabia and if you are of the betting type and needs some precog before shelling out money, I strongly recommend you must check with Babushka first. Confused? Let me explain.

Remember Paul the Octopus back at World Cup 2010 who accurately chose the winners of each game and Paul became a star - maybe not for bookies. This year's official soothsayer for the World Cup is Achilles, a deaf,  Russian white cat. He will be presented with bowls marked with playing teams' flag and Achilles first prediction for tonight's inaugural game is naturally Russia. Now, back to Babushka.



Since Paul the octopus, each sports event have had their own animals trying to predict games results, but none have matched Paul's record. Well aware of that fact, SofaScore - my favorite Android sport's app - is bringing in a human predictor called Babushka. According to the SofaScore, "She has lived through almost all of the championships (missed only the first 2), and this will be her 22nd World Cup. So if there's anyone who knows how it's gonna go down - then that's Babushka!" Unlike the 'official' World Cup's animals, Babushka will not only make predictions but also give daily tips and some witty analysis on her YouTube Channel. 

Her first video has been published and, like Achilles the cat, Babushka predicts a Russia win against Saudi Arabia. Whether she gets this right or not, Babushka is just adorable and her pre-games analysis are well thought out. Something animals can't do.

Check out Babushka Tips on SofaScore official YouTube channel and enjoy World Cup 2018.