It wouldn’t be the World Cup if we didn’t dispense with experts, odds, analysis, form etc and put the fates of teams into the hands, tentacles or trunks of animals. At the 2010 World Cup it was Paul the Octopus. This time Marcus the Pig has picked the four semi finalists for Russia 2018 world cup – Nigeria, Argentina, Belgium and Uruguay.  Achilles the Psychic Cat has called the opener in favour of Russia (against Saudi Arabia), and Nelly the Elephant looks to pick up where she left off four years ago. Nelly has predicted a win for Germany in their opening group game of the 2018 World Cup against Mexico. We are watching.