A famous cartoonist is comparing the World Cup mascot to a Simpsons character who died after one episode

• A famous cartoonist has compared Zabivaka, the official 2018 FIFA World Cup mascot, to a Simpsons character who died after one episode.
• David Squires, The Guardian's satirical scribbler, says Zabivaka has "a bit of a Poochie vibe."
• What do you think?
• You can see all of Business Insider's World Cup coverage here.

The official mascot for the 2018 FIFA World Cup has just been compared to a minor character from hit animated television series The Simpsons.

The mascot, named Zabivaka, is a Russian word that means "the one who scores" and, according to the official FIFA website, it is "a very suitable name for this wolf who radiates fun, charm, and confidence."

Zabivaka is not the only cartoon four-legged cartoon who oozes confidence, and prominent cartoonist David Squires, renowned for his satirical scribbles for The Guardian, believes the World Cup mascot has "a bit of a Poochie vibe."

Eagle-eyed Simpsons fans will remember Poochie the Dog as a minor character who featured in "The Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie Show" episode in season eight.

Homer Simpson provided the voice of Poochie but the character was so unpopular, the fictitious Itchy & Scratchy network received letters calling for Poochie's removal, so executives plotted the pup's death. Towards the end of the episode, viewers were told Poochie "died on his way back to his home planet."

Despite the character's demise, Poochie returned for a cameo in a later episode "The Tears of a Clone."

SEE ALSO: Neymar returned to soccer with this incredible Messi-style goal that nearly ripped the net — and it shows he's ready for the World Cup

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