With the release of FIFA 15, advanced graphics and gameplay mean everyone’s trying to get a leg up on the competition, proving that their favorite team can be as good in the virtual world as it can be in the real world.
Here, I’ll give you some tips that can help your team reach victory in FIFA 15 (although the game is so realistic, you could probably use these tips in the real world too).
Use the offside trap
A classic soccer tactic: setting up your opponent in an offside position. This technique requires a little practice, and the first few times you try it, you’ll probably leave the opposing striker with more open field ahead of him than you meant to, but once you’ve mastered it, it can be a really useful tactic.
Not only does the the offside trap stop the play, it also wears down the morale of your opponent, especially if you’re playing against another person.
Aim for corners near the post
FIFA 15 lets you choose from four tactics when taking corners: run far post, run near post, crowd the keeper, and edge of box run.
None of these tactics are foolproof, but if I had to stick with one, I would choose run near post and try to get a header from a tight angle. Don’t make the cross too powerful or the ball might go too far.
Clear the ball
Playing soccer as a kid, my coach would always say, “clear the ball, don’t pass it around in the area.” This also applies to FIFA 15.
If your opponent’s harassing you and things are starting to heat up, hit Shoot or launch a powerful long pass to relieve the pressure and reorganize your team.
Parking the bus
One of the new features in FIFA 15 is the addition of two new in-game tactics. One is “parking the bus,” which is basically planting your entire defense in the area and preventing your opponent from scoring at all costs.
If you’re winning by a goal and you only have a few minutes left, park the bus and try to withstand you opponents attack .
Mount swarming attacks
The other in-game tactic introduced this year is the all-out attack. This tactic, unlike parking the bus, works best when you’re losing and don’t have much time left to score. Your players will advance their lines and rush towards the opponent’s net in search of a goal.
A bit of advice: if you’re using this tactic and the game goes into extra time, remember to deselect it, or you could get a nasty shock in the early stages of extra time.
Get your strikers to pressure the ball
Wannabe coaches take great enjoyment in giving instructions to FIFA 15 players. Each player, depending on their skills and their position on the field, can receive custom instructions that the AI incorporates during the game. In order to access them, you need to go to the Team Management menu and then to the Instructions tab.
One instruction that’s particularly effective is getting your strikers to pressure the ball. Using this tactic, you can make it more difficult for your opponent to build up moves from their defense.
Switch wings
If you play with two attacking wingers, like Pedro and Neymar for FC Barcelona, this tactic may come in handy during the match, helping you disorientate defenders. You can activate it using the quick select for in-game tactics (D-pad on consoles). Just remember that until you reapply the tactic, wingers will remain switched.
Tell your center back to go forward
We have seen it done by Terry, Pique, Ramos, Vidic, and Javi Martinez. When all seems lost, you can choose to move your center back up the field and have him act as another striker so that they can get on the end of crosses coming into the area.
To do this, you need to access the instructions menu, select the player in question, and edit the option.
Find a balance with your full backs
Having two offensive full backs can be very useful for providing depth to the team and creating situations that lead to attacks. On the other hand, it can also leave you very vulnerable when you have to defend.
Thanks to custom instructions, you can tell one full back to push up whenever possible while the other stays back; that way, you always have someone available to help out in defense.
Run in behind the defense
Imagine you’re playing as Real Madrid and you have a couple of aces up your sleeve like Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. In the custom instructions, you can tell players to constantly run in behind the defense. Cristiano sets off, Kroos picks him out, defenders are caught out of position, and goal!
Look for shots
Another custom instruction you can give certain players is to get them to move into a good shooting position whenever there’s the possibility of a cross coming in (when you’re racing down the wing with the ball, for example). It’s very useful if you have good finishers on your team.
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If you’re fascination with soccer is limited to video games, these tips should help you get a better grip of the game.
If you want to see how FIFA 15 stacks up to this year’s PES 2015, check out our definitive comparison.
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Original article written in Spanish by Alberto Cifuentes via Softonic ES.
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