Ten interesting facts from the World Cup

From the vuvuzela to completed clearances, we round up some lesser known facts from the World Cup...

1 - Vuvuzelas

China may not have made it to the World Cup in South Africa – but they certainly benefited from the tournament.

The country's sales chiefs will be satisfied in knowing that they made 90 per cent of the vociferous vuvuzelas used by fans at the greatest show on Earth.

Zhejiang Ninghai Ji Ying Plastic Products Factory in China reportedly produced over one million horns.

The din may have deafened you while watching the games from your sofa, but spare a thought for spectators in South Africa.

The horns are said to produce noise of up to 127 decibels, allegedly even louder than the sound made by a jet engine during take-off and landing.

Using them in a more practical fashion, the locals apparently blow vuvuzelas to shoo away Baboons.

2 - New Zealand

Who's been the most inspiring member of the World Cup? Spain? South Korea? Shakira? Think again.

New Zealand didn't get past the group stages – but they were the only unbeaten team of the tournament.

Winston Reid headed in a dramatic late equaliser to earn New Zealand a 1-1 draw with Slovakia back on June 15.

They continued to stun the tournament by earning a 1-1 draw with 2006 world champions Italy on June 20.

And the remarkable results didn't stop there.

Four days later they came away with a goalless draw with Paraguay.

The surprise side were knocked out of the tournament after finishing third in Group F, falling behind group-leaders Paraguay and Slovakia, but nobody can knock their impressive record that will go down in football folklore.

3 - Jabulani ball

The World Cup ball may have had a kicking from pundits and players for its wayward movement - but it means well.

The ball's name comes from the Zulu word meaning "rejoice".

4 - Before the final began

Did you know that one hour before the World Cup final commenced, a grand total of 13 automated elephants were paraded on the pitch?

Singer Shakira and Nelson Mandela, dressed in a Cossack hat and transported by buggy, were also present at the Soccer City stadium.

5 - Low points

North Korea and Cameroon were the only two teams not to get a single point after losing all three of their group games.

6 - Spain reign but fell to defeat originally

Spain are the only team to have won the World Cup after losing their first game, a 1-0 defeat to Switzerland.