Why the Singapore government hopes Germany doesn't win the World Cup

A boy finds his calling

Since Paul the Octopus shot to fame predicting 2006 World Cup results with some dubious success, there has been no shortage of seers and charlatans at each world cup having a go. Pundits reluctantly give their predictions knowing full well (or not) of the statistical uncertainty of a 7 game run. Turtles, elephants and arowanas have been deployed.
If Germany wins the World Cup, the most unwitting and unwilling prophet would surely be Singapore's National Council on Problem Gambling, NCPG in short. Since 2010, when the island nation allowed casinos onto its shores for the tourist dollar, the government has run various campaigns to warn locals against the social ills of gambling.
For the World Cup, a well publicized media campaign by the Council tells the sad tale of a boy who's had his savings taken by a father for football gambling. For the easily affected, the video does tug at the heart strings and ticks the boxes. Only problem is that the father in question had put it all on Germany to win the Cup. Sticking with its mission, the NCPG has continued to run the ad, even during half time of the Brazil Germany semifinal. The officials and public seem to have taken it in rightfully good humour. It spawned a viral tweet, "Always trust your father. #GER 7 : #BRA 1", and was even spoofed on the Jimmy Fallon show.
Through it all, the government spokesperson has stressed their social message and that, regardless of the eventual winner, the ads have helped publicize their 24/7 gambling helpline. Nevertheless, they might be secretly rooting for Argentina, lest the lines get flooded with enquiries for the next hot tip.