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While the previous page outlined several strategies you really should employ, a lot of strategies here are optional, though one should never reject any.

DEFENCE - you don't have to have Paolo Maldini and Lilian Thuram at the back, though it helps. Application of sound defensive strategies should enable you victories.

  • Don't slide in! If your defender is the last man, don't slide in yet, and don't press Q or E! Follow him, force him wide, hopefully outside of the penalty box, and then tackle him. However, if he gets past you, you may want to slide him, especially if it's a human player.
  • If the defence has the ball, and you're crowded out, passing the ball out of defence using S is risky. Better just give it the big boot (D).
  • Overlapping wing-backs like Roberto Carlos benefit from good midfield play. Try using passback to set them up for their crosses.
  • From free kicks around in the opponent's half, and near the center circle, the computer (and many human opponents) loft the ball towards the edge of your penalty box, resulting in a spectacular, but somewhat unbelievable header over your keeper, who has insanely come to the edge of the area. There's little you can do against this when playing the computer, but for humans, watch the movement of the forwards as they try to find space to receive the lob, and cover them with your defenders.
  • The first thing you should do when the ball is flighted in is to press D and the arrow key away from your goal. If that doesn't work, start hammering on D (this does reflect the panic that ensues in these melees!) Applies for both corners and free kicks.
  • One more thing regarding goalkeepers. Try not to throw the ball out to a player, unless you are absolutely certain he can get the ball away. Prefer the big boot, which is pretty accurate anyway.
  • For penalties: you can move the goalie on the line (in accordance to the latest FIFA ruling). If you move him to the left, the computer generally shoots to the right, as might some humans. I don't do this though. Just press and hold A / S / D and the left or right arrow and hope for the best.

MIDFIELD - in my opinion, the most important area of the game, and my favourite area. All midfielders have the responsibility to defend AND attack.

  • I've mentioned this before. HUSTLE for the ball, but don't go overboard.
  • I'm sure that all of you admire the Brazilian midfield. Hence, bear in mind Brian Clough's words: God made grass to be used for playing football (paraphrased). Try to keep the ball on the ground when you can. High passes may be inaccurate.
  • Don't play like Liverpool, though they are my favourite team. Don't pass, pass and pass even more. This isn't real life and you aren't playing Man Utd always. Take chances and try dribbling, try through balls, etc. You may be handsomely rewarded.
  • Sometimes, lobbing in a cross isn't the best alternative. You may simply run into the box and cut the ball back for an advancing forward.
  • Dictate the tempo of the game. Play slowly if you wish, but always keep a lookout for open spaces and overlapping wingers. Aim your pass in that direction and chances are, it'll be a very good one into space.
  • One cheap way to set up an attack. Play 4-4-2 (my preferred formation). When your keeper makes a save, launch the ball forward. Mostly, your central midfielder will receive the ball with his back to your opponent's goal. Your winger will be in space. Quickly do a reverse pass to him. You may now attempt to cross or dribble your way to goal.

ATTACK - a little tip here. You don't need a Ronaldo or a Batistuta to score goals. Just make sure you give your forwards easy chances which they can't miss. I mentioned that previously.

  • He who dares, wins! Don't be afraid to dribble past defenders, especially if you have practiced your special moves. Don't always pass the ball back to someone else.
  • Similarly, don't be like David Beckham and let loose from way out. It rarely goes in. Do so only if you have no other option.
  • Experiment with the arrow keys and discover for yourself the various shots possible (low, medium, high, left, right, etc).
  • If you find yourself stuck on the wing, don't always cross. Here's what to do. Run diagonally towards the keeper. The angle may be narrow. Assuming you're coming in from the top right hand corner of the pitch. Most people who shoot tend to hit a left foot shot right into the keeper. The trick is to cut back and curl the shot around the keeper into the far corner. It works most of the time, even from the tightest angles.
  • More wingplay tips: curl the ball using CTRL / ALT, and immediately press D and the forward arrow (assuming you have AI Assisted Headers off). You'll put in a powerful header which should go in.
  • When one on one, you must score. You can dribble round the keeper (dangerous), or simply shoot (almost always in). You can also try flicking the ball up with CTRL-A and then pressing D. I've got an brilliant Inzaghi bicycle kick done that way. Practise beating the keeper in training.
  • Penalties: no excuse to miss. Do not shoot straight at the keeper. Aim for either the low, or medium corners. Knocking it high is fine, but sometimes it hits the bar.
  • Corners: With V1.30, goalkeepers love to come and punch the ball clear. Sometimes, it drops kindly for your forwards who then have an empty goal. But to maximise the possibility of scoring from these set pieces: 1) Play the short corner, then cross. 2) If you prefer it direct, press CTRL or ALT to bend the ball outwards slightly (NOT inwards), press D (NOT A) to execute, and D again for a header, which tends to go in. Again, practise.
  • Free kicks: Imitate the computer! But please, don't use this throughout the game. Be more chivalrous and play football, not simply take free kicks. Still, if you want quick goals. Press E a few times and move your star striker into space on the edge of the penalty box, ensuring he is not offside, then press A to lob the ball towards him. Press D for the spectacular, but unrealistic diving header.

    Copyright © 1997-1998 Kung Chien Wen. Strategies outlined on these pages may be borrowed, with consent from the webmaster. Other than that, nothing really...