Well, the whistle's about to blow on the World Cup and we are hopefully to be treated once again to some of the best soccer action ever seen. It's fair to come out with such an extravagant claim as every Cup so far has had its share of brilliance, drama and tragedy.

Already the 2002 cup has had the Irish captain Roy Keane spitting the dummy and going home - poor baby - and two Swedes have already been pulled apart from a pretty good-looking stoush.

But, to matters equally important - the latest version of the FIFA franchise, this time on the PS2.

Straight off it has to be said that this is one beautiful game to look at. The in-game graphics are superb - just watch the keepers, or the spin on the ball, or how the outfield players move - they are bordering on television quality. The close-up skins and texture detail still need a bit of work, but considering they are only seen in between play (fouls, free kicks, etc.) they don't really affect the game in a negative way.

The frame rate seems to be one area that's been worked on, as the game moves so smoothly. It's not necessarily fast, but just so smooth. Add to this better ball physics than any FIFA games before it and you have a recipe for some seriously exciting football.

So on with the competition. As you'd expect, you get to play any of the teams who have made the Finals - lucky devils - and if your nation isn't there then pick your favourite other.

Me, I went for Ireland - as when your middle-ranking side gets thumped it isn't quite as bad as say England. Anyway, the Irish lads have some extremely fine talent from Leeds United (what can I say?) in the shape of Robbie Keane, Ian Harte and Gary Kelly, so it's no hard matter to give them an extra voice shouting for them.

So, on to setting the levels, choosing the team and into the first round. It won't be easy up against Cameroon, Germany or Saudi Arabia but the lads are fit and raring to go. Bit of a shame about bad-boy Roy being sent home... oh well never mind.

The gameplay of FIFA does take some time to get used to, though fans of the series should be able to pick and play. It's not that the controls are different, it's just the speed of the game can catch you out at the start. Still, the basic controls will have you holding your own against most opposition on the beginner AI levels.

The different number of moves you can do is remarkable - although I discovered most of mine by accident - you know, the thumb pressing where it shouldn't be and all that (Ed - sounds like a lame excuse...).

The game offers you some nice little aids by suggesting directions in which to pass and the player who should get the ball. These show up as greenish highlights and once you are confident in them, they can make your team of hacks look like serious world beaters.

And, it must be said, AI teams don't like being run at so a tip is to begin attacks via the midfield and run a hotshot player (denoted by a star above them) into goal for a shot. Don't get too close though, as the keepers appear to be better than usual and will end up saving most of your attempts if you let them get near. Crossing the ball in from the wing works well, too. It allows your players to be a little more creative and the improved ball physics help in this area too.

I should also mention that the sound has been worked over considerably, with the commentary much improved on previous FIFA standards. But the realistic atmosphere is the most impressive audio element, with the crowd chanting (even if Japan did kick out those lovable hooligans) when the tempo of the game picks up.

The keepers are also beautifully motion-captured, as in fact are all the figures playing the match. The post-free kick/goal histrionics are basic, but the in-game rolls, tackles and moves are very natural.

Anyway, back to Ireland. The lads are progressing quite well and have disposed of Cameroon 2-0 (I was getting the hang of things), Germany 3-0 (getting better), Saudi Arabia 1-0 (needed a kick in the backside) and then it's into the next round.

Nigeria fell 4-0 (everything worked beautifully), then in the quarters it was Portugal 4-0 (surprisingly easy) and the semis Paraguay 8-0. This reminds me to mention that when picking a team, don't aim for the minnows (unless you are a masochist) because the basic skills levels of the sides do vary with a fair degree of reality.

Now it was time for the World Cup Final and the opponents were from Brazil. Within two minutes Ireland was two goals up but the speed and skills of the Brazilians brought it back to 2-1 fairly quickly and the coach's chewy was getting a good workout.

After half-time Ireland went back to its secret 'kick-em-in-the-cods' style of play and it immediately paid dividends.

Two quick goals had the South Americans beaten and another two completed the rout. 6-1 against Brazil was not a bad result for my boys. Perhaps the real World Cup will turn out in a similar fashion?

If you are into soccer and want to get a huge dose of cup fever, get a copy and play till your thumbs fall off. It is seriously good fun.

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