When Apple, in a memorable advertising campaign, proclaimed there was ‘an app for that’, they seemed to have made a self-fulfilling prophecy. Nowadays it seems nothing is truly official until you can download a version of it to your phone or tablet and the World Cup is no exception. Here we take a look at the essential companion apps for this summer’s tournament…
1. ESPN World Cup app
ESPN is probably the world’s best known sports broadcasters, and have acquired the World Cup broadcast rights in the USA. Their newly released app (available for free) offers news, opinion, analysis as well as live coverage from Brazil. The app ties in with a brand new redesign of the ESPN site, specially commissioned for this year’s tournament. Rather than focusing on large numbers of purely text articles, the ESPN app has a heavy focus on video and other rich media. In addition, you’ll be able to follow games and stats from club football after the World Cup finishes.
2. FIFA 14
Although not exclusively a World Cup app, this bestselling football game will certainly get a lot more play time over the summer. Boasting the ability to play with over 16,000 players from 600 teams the more intuitive controlling, passing and shooting of the latest FIFA incarnation make it much more enjoyable to play on mobile devices. The joy of the FIFA franchise comes from the ability to play as your favourite club or international side and leading them to glory, the achievements may be virtual but the pride is incredibly real!
3. Coral
Coral is a UK based bookmaker whose app will be an essential companion to anyone who bets on the World Cup. Offering analysis and game statistics in addition to great odds and special offers, the Coral app will be much downloaded by football fans searching for a cheeky bet. In addition to football the Coral app also allows you to bet (both in advance and in play) on hundreds of club games and a whole host of other sports from American Football to Volleyball and of course the World Cup.
4. Official FIFA app
The world football association, FIFA, has of course jumped in on the app party ahead of the World Cup. An ‘Official FIFA World Cup 2014’ app is available on Android devices, but iOS users still have access to the FIFA app, which claims to be the world’s most comprehensive in terms of coverage. Results, statistics, news and analysis are available for hundreds of domestic leagues and international games. You can also personalise your home page on the app to instantly show you updates from your preferred games, whether it’s the World Cup or the Greek 2nd division.
