Top 5 mobile footy games for the World Cup

So, finally, the World Cup is upon us. After years of anticipation, the greatest sporting tournament in the world is underway.

It’ll feature some of the finest players for decades playing at the peak of their game – Messi, Ronaldo, and Rooney are all operating at around their maximum level going into the tournament.

If that’s not exciting enough, it’s being held on the African continent for the first time ever. In terms of climate, stadia, and crowd atmosphere this should be one of the most unique World Cups in living memory.

Despite all this, even the most dedicated footy fanatic is going to be bored stiff at times – especially during the opening rounds. Algeria versus Slovenia, anyone?

Even during the more interesting games, there are going to be lulls and stoppages in play – such as half-time intervals or a rabid Diego Maradona locking the ref in the loo – where you need some kind of release.

One of the best ways to keep yourself occupied during such games is to whip out your mobile and boot up one of these footy-related gems. If you’re in the pub, you can always pretend you’re texting the scores to people.

Where else should we start than with the official World Cup game from EA? Alright, it might not be as good as the more complete, better balanced FIFA 10. But it’s the World Cup, and this is a one-off indulgence for a one-off competition.

Besides, there are two other talented all-rounders on this list. 2010 FWC makes it in because it’s the best way to sustain the World Cup atmosphere while you’re sat in a dingy pub, waiting for the second half to kick off.

From the officially licensed teams and tournament structure to the ability to Captain Your Country, there’s no more authentic World Cup experience on mobile. Plus there’s the solid (if unnecessarily tinkered with) FIFA gameplay underpinning it all.

If you’ve reached half-time during the semi-final with your team trailing 1-0, you might require something to ease the tension. Other than alcohol, we’d recommend this light hearted number from GlobalFun.

Unlike the dry, serious take on footy presented elsewhere on this list, Toon Cup puts you in charge of a team of toons, with a popular Cartoon Network character taking the dual role of captain and ‘keeper. Despite the unusual setting, though, it is at heart a return to the top-down kick-arounds of yesteryear.

The footy flows fast and freely, with outlandish power-ups and each team’s special abilities usually making the difference. If you’re after something fun and colourful this World Cup season, look no further.

You should turn to Real Football 2010 when your team isn’t playing the way you want them to. When they can’t seem to string two passes together, and their tactics amount to hoofing the ball up to the clumsy oaf up front.

Real Football’s brand of almost effortless passing football should cheer you up (a bit). It empowers you like no other mobile footy game, letting you string together beautiful Spain-like move, slicing through your opponents at will.

It might not have the licences, the polish, or the depth of its rivals, but Real Football 2010 most closely resembles the way we all want football to be played.

And now something for the more cerebral footy fan. The one who refuses to jump up and down with the beer-swilling masses and is really quite looking forward to the fascinating tactical contrast of Greece vs Nigeria.

Real Football Manager 2010 lets you make all the big decisions for your team, from the formation and composition of the starting 11 to those all important substitutions.

It’s all complemented on match day by the excellent Real Football match engine (see above) which lets you see each game playing out before your very eyes.

If you’re a budding Capello, with your own contrary ideas about how the game should be played, this is the game to prove you were right.

FIFA has its licenses and Real Football has its accessibility, but Pro Evolution Soccer is the connoisseur’s choice. This is the mobile game for those who love the World Cup for the football rather than the media hype and all the nationalistic guff that surrounds it.

If you’re the sort that will be watching intently even after your own team is knocked out there’s no better mobile footy experience than PES 2010.

It’s notably slower than its two main rivals, which encourages a more considered approach to the beautiful game. It’s all about assessing your options and picking the right pass, whether it be a pin-point through-ball or a lofted ball into the box.

You won’t be amassing cricket scores in this game, and quite right too. This is football, don’t you know.