Play the beautiful game online

The makers of Stick Cricket have brought out a new version of the game, aimed at football fans.

Stick Soccer is described as "fast-paced, simple and unrelentingly addictive", and is aimed at fans just as the Premiership and European football seasons kick off.

Developed by Stick Sports, it launched Stick Cricket earlier this year - a game that now attracts 60,000 daily visitors.

The Stick Soccer game-play is simple: the controls are straightforward but allow a good selection of sliding tackles and banana shots. The retro feel should appeal to young and veteran gamers alike and has three difficulty levels.

Gamers can initially play with a selection of teams from the World Cup, Champions League, Premiership, La Liga, and Serie A – including the disgraced trio of Juventus, Lazio and Fiorentina.

Players control their favourite club or country in an effort to lead them to virtual glory. The team's progress is saved as they go.

In-depth statistics including the game’s quickest goals, the most goals conceded and the dirtiest players can be displayed, along with a range of formation and substitution options.

An online multiplayer version of Stick Soccer is due out by the end of the year.