An octopus in Germany which has shot to fame by correctly predicting the outcome of the country's World Cup matches should be set free, an animal rights group says.

"Paul has forecast that Germany will beat Argentina. In order that Paul too can celebrate on Saturday, and not just football fans, PETA Germany ... is now asking for him to be set free," PETA said in a statement on Friday.

The organisation called for the seawater soccer soothsayer, currently in Sea Life in Oberhausen, western Germany, to be released into a national park in waters off the south of France where fishing is banned.

"Paul is stuck in a small aquarium ... We think that Paul would be fine in the sea," marine biologist Tanja Breining from PETA said.

"Octopuses are among the most intelligent of invertebrates. They are capable of complex thought processes, have short and long-term memories, use tools, learn through observation, have different personalities and are particularly sensitive to pain," the organisation said.

Sea Life, however, said it would be a bad idea.

"Animals born in captivity are used to being fed and have no experience finding food by themselves," a spokeswoman told AFP.

"It is highly likely that he would die."

Two plastic boxes, one with a German flag and one with their opponent's, are lowered into Paul's tank, each with a tasty morsel of food inside. The box which Paul opens first is adjudged to be his predicted winner.

Earlier in the tournament, the eight-legged oracle correctly tipped Germany to beat Ghana and Australia in their Group D matches. And proving he is not just attracted by Germany's flag, he also correctly predicted a loss to Serbia.

Even though he was born in England, he also treacherously but correctly foretold Germany's 4-1 victory in the two teams' last-16 clash last Sunday.

Germany face Argentina in the quarter-finals in Cape Town on Saturday.

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