Gaming
Games
5 tips from a pro to succeed in FIFA
These neat tricks will make you a better FIFA player.
Mirza Jahic is the reigning Austrian national FIFA champion. The 23 year-old professional gamer plays internationally for the AuTpBo clan and has held Austrian ground unbeaten for nearly two years. His career as a successful FIFA pro began when he registered for a major international tournament three years ago – "for fun", he said – still unaware of his skills. As a newcomer he surprised both himself and the organisers when he made it to the finals. He sees coming second in the FIFA three nations tournament as one of the greatest successes of his budding career.
The FIFA pro appreciates how the game has developed in recent years. "The game has grown ever more realistic and players more flexible, making for an increasingly fluid gameplay over the years."
FIFA 14
© Electronic Arts
But there are also some things he'd like to see improved in future instalments. "There's often no avoiding header goals at the finish, which I don't like because you score too many header goals but let as many in – especially from corners and free kicks outside the penalty area."
When asked about the secret to his success he said: "Everybody is different and has to find out for themselves which formation and team works best for them. In the end, it usually comes down to how good you are at putting your plan into action during the game. But I try to play each match with these 5 points in mind."
Tip 1: Cooler heads prevail
Most players try to reach the opponent's goal as fast as possible. That frequently backfires because they lose the ball. Try to keep the ball for as long as possible in each attack, and don't be too hectic when playing. It's better to turn around and pass the ball back than give it away.
As long as you have the ball, your opponent can't score a goal. Try to not use the sprint button at all in close quarters so your players can turn quickly if they have to, and keep the ball on your own team with short X passes until you see a gap to move toward the goal.
Tip 2: The attack wins games, the defence wins championships
Just like in real football, a compact defence is really important. Chances always arise sooner or later, but giving the opponent as little room to attack as possible – now that's an art. Try to avoid controlling a winger from the defenders in your flat back four as much as possible. Instead, choose a player from the defensive midfield and try to run toward the opponent's pass paths. Avoid frequent substitutions in defence to keep it compact.
Tip 3: Anticipation is the magic word
One really important aspect to play FIFA successfully is being able to second-guess your opponent's moves. Don't just look at what he's doing right now; keep an eye out for what he might do or will do next. For example, if you see the player running on the halfway line toward the touchline and you've got the feeling he's going to double back, don't run with him but instead run toward his path and if you anticipated correctly, you'll take the ball from him in the forward move and the counterattack can begin.
Anticipation is all about practice and experience, of course. To get a feeling for it, try to call in a second player with R1 in friendly games to put the squeeze on. I would slide tackle as little as possible. It's usually only to your detriment.
Tip 4: The right attack
It's important to have possession of the ball a lot, but you won't score goals without an offensive strategy. In FIFA 14 especially, try to work the wings. Sprints with fast players, double passes, etc. Just don't get hectic and try to force the issue. Lots of goals are scored via the flanks in FIFA 14, which is why effective flanking is a must for any successful player. As soon as you're at the penalty area and the centre forward is waiting for the ball, you should bring in the wings. Without pressing the sprint button if necessary. Flanking at full speed is possible, of course. Just make sure that your strikers are at the same height as the player on the ball.
Tip 5: The finish
A lot of players try to confuse the opponent’s goalkeeper by running toward him and then suddenly withdrawing. Keep your cool – easy does it as you finish. If the goalkeeper runs 20 metres out like a madman, that’s obviously the opponent’s cue to take a goal kick or sliced shot.
If the goalkeeper stays in the goal and you're running, I recommend kicking it with full force into the corner. A flick kick is the best choice as soon as the goalie ventures outside a little. Flick kicks work better in FIFA 14 than they used to, so go ahead and try to finish at 17m – you can score with players like Robben or Ronaldo. Ideally you can also round the keeper. But it only works when no other opponents are nearby.
