BERLIN — There's been plenty of ink for Paul the octopus lately, and why not?

The octopus, also known as the "Oracle of Oberhausen," has successfully predicted the winner of six World Cup matches so far.

Now, Paul has forecast the winner of Sunday's championship match. And rather than go out on a limb — or maybe eight of them — the critter is sticking with the favorite, picking Spain over the Netherlands.

Handlers of the usually have him make predictions only for games in which Germany plays. But because of Paul's recent worldwide fame and demand for his pick for the final, they made an exception.

Here's how the 2Z\x-year-old floppy octopus — a resident of the Oberhausen Sea Life aquarium — makes his prognostications: Officials put a mussel inside each of two clear plastic boxes bearing the national flags of the teams in his tank. Paul then makes his choice by opening the lid with his tentacles and devouring one of the treats.

Millions across Europe, in Taiwan and elsewhere watched a live TV broadcast Friday of his choice of Spain, complete with breathless commentary. He also predicted Germany over Uruguay in Saturday's third-place game.

After his prediction of his home country's loss came true, German TV showed footage of a grilled octopus. That prompted Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero to fret about the safety of "El Pulpo Paul," as he's known in Spain.

"I am concerned about the octopus," Zapatero said. "I'm thinking about sending in a team to protect the octopus because obviously it was very spectacular that he should get Spain's victory right from there."