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Vuvuzela a hit on Google

Johannesburg – The vuvuzela, Zakumi, Luis Suarez and Paris Hilton were among the top ranked google searches about the Soccer World Cup over the last 30 days, Google SA said on Friday.

"The vuvuzela has certainly been one of the biggest talking points of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and has since crossed beyond our borders into other countries," said Google SA spokesperson Judy Taylor.

She said Google Zeitgeist – a search tool which examines global and local, past and present search trends – revealed that the UK was the country most interested in finding places to buy the vuvuzela.

They were followed by the US and the United Arab Emirates.

Uruguayans were most interested in the World Cup mascot Zakumi.

Zakumi

"The majority of searches (were) taking place just before Bafana Bafanas 3-0 clash against Uruguay.

"Peru, Argentina and Venezuela have also taken quite a liking to this cuddly, green haired leopard, who celebrated his 16th birthday during the World Cup."

Taylor said that searches combining the names of French coach Raymond Domenech and South African coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, rose – particularly in France – after the famous handshake snub after the match South Africa won in Bloemfontein.

A series of "Suarez" searches were sparked by Luis Suarez’s infamous hand ball against Ghana during the quarter finals.

The official World Cup anthem Waka Waka found the most popularity in Bangladesh, followed by Paraguay and Mauritius.

World Cup songs

People in Hungary, Argentina and India enjoyed K'naans Wavin' Flag song; although overall Waka Waka was more popular.

Although a number of celebrities were visiting South Africa during the World Cup, US socialite Paris Hilton topped the list of searches.

Last week, Hilton and a former Playboy Playmate appeared in a World Cup Court in Port Elizabeth on charges of dagga possession.

The charges were later withdrawn against Hilton.

Anyone wanted to search for their own rankings can visit Google trends.
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