Achilles the cat, who lives in St Petersburg's Hermitage Museum, chooses Nigeria while predicting the result of the World Cup match between Argentina and Nigeria. Reuters

Nigeria to send Messi and Argentina home - says Achilles the cat



The omens don't look good for Argentina and Lionel Messi before their final group match against Nigeria on Tuesday – if a "psychic" cat is to be believed.

Messi and his teammates have had a rough time in Russia so far, drawing 1-1 with Iceland and getting thumped 3-0 by Croatia.

And it isn't going to get any better according to Achilles the cat, who has been predicting winners and losers in the tournament from the comfort of the St Petersburg Hermitage museum.

The cat, who is deaf and regarded as psychic, previously predicted outcomes during the 2017 Confederations Cup.

This time around it has successfully chosen Russia to beat Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Iran to beat Morocco and Brazil to emerge victorious against Costa Rica – although that final result was almost a given.

When the opportunity came to pick between Nigeria and Argentina, via two bowls of food placed in front of him with a flag above each, Achilles decided the Super Eagles would win by a nose.

The trend for animal predictions become global news in 2010 when Paul the octopus correctly forecast Germany's matches and correctly picked Spain as winners.

_______________

Read more:

Achilles the cat ready to make his World Cup 2018 predictions as he looks to be the new Paul the octopus

Nigeria again stand in Argentina and Lionel Messi's way as they fight for their World Cup life

Lionel Messi's birthday party - in a Russian village field

World Cup: Who's going through to the knockout stage and who will they face?

WEST ASIA RUGBY 2017/18 SEASON ROLL OF HONOUR

Western Clubs Champions League
Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Runners up: Bahrain

Dubai Rugby Sevens
Winners: Dubai Exiles
Runners up: Jebel Ali Dragons

West Asia Premiership
Winners: Jebel Ali Dragons
Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins

UAE Premiership Cup
Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Runners up: Dubai Exiles

UAE Premiership
Winners: Dubai Exiles
Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins

Financial considerations before buying a property

Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.

“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says. 

Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.

Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier. 

THE LIGHT

Director: Tom Tykwer

Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger

Rating: 3/5

The%20pillars%20of%20the%20Dubai%20Metaverse%20Strategy
%3Cp%3EEncourage%20innovation%20in%20the%20metaverse%20field%20and%20boost%20economic%20contribution%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDevelop%20outstanding%20talents%20through%20education%20and%20training%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDevelop%20applications%20and%20the%20way%20they%20are%20used%20in%20Dubai's%20government%20institutions%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAdopt%2C%20expand%20and%20promote%20secure%20platforms%20globally%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDevelop%20the%20infrastructure%20and%20regulations%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Aggro%20Dr1ft
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Harmony%20Korine%3Cbr%3EStars%3A%20Jordi%20Molla%2C%20Travis%20Scott%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Combating coronavirus
How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.