As the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup builds up to a critical Group C showdown between Brazil and Scotland, a unique new animal oracle has thrown its weight behind Brazil – and most soccer fans are eager to see if its prediction will hold true. On Monday, Poty, a majestic black jaguar based at Rio de Janeiro’s BioParque, stepped into the global spotlight for a lighthearted pre-match forecasting event that drew crowds of local residents and curious soccer supporters.
The event organizers set up two specially designed enrichment boxes for the big cat, each decorated to represent one of the two competing nations. As onlookers held their breath, Poty slowly approached the offerings, sniffing each box carefully to weigh her decision. After a few moments of consideration, she made her decisive move, selecting the box marked with Brazil’s national colors. But in a twist that has sparked discussion among the jaguar’s handlers, Poty doubled back after her initial pick to give the Scotland box a second, thorough inspection.
That small, final gesture is not something to brush off, according to Caio de Souza Silva, a biologist who works closely with Poty at BioParque. Speaking to reporters after the event, Silva noted that the jaguar’s second look could signal a far more challenging match for Brazil than many fans expect. “Maybe it indicates a tough game for us,” Silva explained. “Maybe it’s a win, but it could also be a more complicated match. Hopefully we don’t concede a goal, but it may suggest a more physical game for Brazil.”
Heading into Wednesday’s clash, which is set to take place in Miami, Group C standings remain tightly contested. Brazil currently sits as co-leader of the group alongside Morocco, with both nations holding four points. Brazil edges out Morocco on goal difference, putting them in a strong position to advance. Scotland, meanwhile, is not far behind with three points, and the side remains in contention to move on to the knockout stage regardless of the result of their match against Brazil. In the other Group C fixture matchday, Morocco will face Haiti, a side that has yet to earn a single point in the tournament so far.
Animal oracle predictions have become a beloved quirky tradition for major international soccer tournaments, stretching back to the iconic Paul the Octopus who rose to fame for his perfect prediction streak at the 2010 World Cup. For many fans, these lighthearted forecasts add an extra layer of fun and anticipation ahead of high-stakes matches.