####### ### ### ####### # # # # # # # # # # # # # # ##### # # # # ##### # # # # # # # # # # # # ####### ### ### ####### ###### # ###### ## # # #### ##### # ##### # # # # # # # # # # # # # # ##### # ##### # # # # # # # # # # # # # # ###### # ## # # # ##### # # # # # # # # ## ## # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #### # # ###### ##### #### # # ##### # # # # # # # # # # # # # # ##### # # # # # #### #### # ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EA Sports 2002 FIFA World Cup Single and multiplayer guide, strategies and tips Written by Stevie_burn (Steve Burn) [email protected] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright 2003 Steve Burn <[email protected]> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2002 FIFA World Cup ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table Of Contents: 1. Game features 2. System requirements 3. Controls 4. The game of soccer 5. FAQ 6. Hints and tips 7. Formations 8. Team overview 9. Special situations ******************************************************************************* 1) Game features: I hope you are ready for a long list here, as this game is LOADED with features! The features: -Realistic-looking players and stadiums -New commentator feature -Analog control, advanced passing system -Accurate information on all world cup teams and some non-world cup teams -Star abilities -New camera views including panoramic, dynamic end, and swing -Advanced controls including curve balls, juggles, jumps, and 1-2 passes -Control over headers, volleys and bicycle kicks -Bonus teams -Bonus videos -Realistic celebrating animations after scoring important goal I'm sure I missed some. Email me if you find any more features that I missed out. ******************************************************************************* 2) System requirements: Let's face it. An advanced game requires an advanced computer. My junk computer's barely enough for the standards of this game. If the game doesn't run on your computer, try looking at the requirements. Lowest requirements: -Windows XP, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows 98 or Windows 95b(Windows NT, Windows 95a and Windows 2000 Advanced Server are not supported) -233MHz Intel Pentium or AMD K6 Processor -32MB RAM (Windows 2000 requires 64 MB RAM, Windows XP requires 128MB RAM) -4x or faster CD-ROM/DVD Drive (600K/Second transfer rate) using 32-bit Windows CD-ROM/DVD Driver -65MB Hard drive space for the game (Saved games, windows swap files and DirectX 7.0a requires additional space. -4MB PCI or AGP 3-D graphics accelerator using a Direct3D compatible chipset. -Keyboard and mouse -DirectX 7.0a compatible sound card Recommended Configuration: -Intel Pentium II, AMD Athlon or faster processor -128MB RAM (128MB for Windows 2000/XP) -16x or faster CD-ROM/DVD Drive using 32-bit Windows CD-ROM/DVD Driver -250MB free hard disk space for the game (Saved games, windows swap files and DirectX 7.0a requires additional space) -8MB (or greater) PCI or AGP 3-D graphics accelerator using a Direct3D compatible chipset -360 Degrees analog gamepad such as the Logitech Wingman Rumblepad, Microsoft SidewinderT Gamepad Pro, Gravis Eliminator Gamepad Pro USB, Gravis Xterminator or Interact Axis Pad List of supported input devices: Microsoft Sidewinder Gamepad, Gravis Gamepad Pro, Logitech Wingman Gamepad, Gravis Destroyer Tilt USB, Gravis Gamepad, Interact 3D Program Pad, Interact 3dfx Hammerhead USB, Logitech Wingman Extreme, Microsoft Sidewinder Freestyle Pro, Microsoft Sidewinder Gamepad Pro USB, Microsoft Sidewinder Plug and Play USB, Windows supported gamepads, keyboard ******************************************************************************* 3) Controls Well, 2002 FIFA World Cup's got a pretty complicated control system, so be prepared! On to the show: Basic Controls- Movement: -Move player: Directional pad -Sprint: W (Hold down to sprint, tap repeatedly to temporarily increase speed) Attack: (When in possession) -Pass: S -Shoot: D -Lob: A Defend: (When opponent is in possession) -Switch controlling player: S -Conservative tackle: D -Aggressive tackle: A Advanced controls- Attack: (When in possession) -Curveball left/right: Z/C -Player runs: Q - 1-2 pass: Space -Fake shot/lob/pass: Hold Z and C together while charging up shot/pass/lob Attack: (Free kick, corner or goal kick) -Aim: Directional pad -Shoot: D -Pass: S -Lob: A -Curveball left/right: Z/C Attack: (Throw-ins) -Aim: Directional pad -Throw: A/S/D Attack: (Penalties) -Aim: Directional pad -Change player position left/right: A -Change penalty taker (not applicable during penalty shootout): S -Shoot: D Defend: (Dead ball situations) -Move player: Directional pad -Switch controlling player: S -Move wall (free kicks): Left/Right buttons -Wall jumps (free kicks): W -Conservative tackle: D -Aggressive tackle: A Defend: (Goalkeeper control during penalties) -Choose saving direction: Directional pad -Make save: A/S/D Goalkeeper control: -Goalkeeper charge: Q when the opponent has the ball -Drop ball: Q when holding ball in hand -Throw ball: A when holding ball in hand -Shoot ball: S/D when holding ball in hand (The controls for the goalkeeper during goal kicks are the same as the controls for the players on passing, shooting and lobbing) Jumps: (To get past other players on the ground) -Jump: Tap E -Continuous jumps: Tap E twice -Opposite direction jump: Hold W while tapping E -Jump and drag: Hold W while tapping E twice Juggles: Tap E while possessing the ball to flick the ball into the air and begin a juggle. Tapping different buttons causes the player to use different parts of the body to keep the ball in the air. -Button Q: Tap once to use left leg, tap twice to use the back of the left feet -Button Z: Tap once to use left thigh, tap twice to use left shoulder -Button E: Tap once to use right leg, tap twice to use the back of the right feet. -Button C: Tap once to use right thigh, tap twice to use right shoulder. -Other stunning effects can be achieved by a combination of these buttons. Go figure them out your own. They're really a joy to watch. Airball: Controls airballs as they reach your player. You must press the buttons before the ball reaches you to work this advanced system. The effects are the same as a normal shot, pass, or lob. D: Header Dx2: Volley shot/bicycle kick A: Header lob Ax2: Volley lob S: Header pass Sx2: Volley pass Hotkeys: Use these hotkeys to gain quick access to the menu features, visual settings or multiplayer features. Esc: Pauses game and brings up pause menu F1: Team management F2: Instant replay F3: Match facts F4: Settings F5: Side select F12: Exit game and return to windows 1: Tele camera 2: Tower camera 3: End to end camera 4: Sideline camera 5: Panoramic camera 6: Action camera 7: Dynamic end camera 8: Swing camera 9: Radar on/off F10: Open chat window (multiplayer only) F11: Leave session (multiplayer only) (Note: All these are default settings. You may change the controls as you wish in "control settings") Awright this junk is gone now lets get to the main body of this guide, shall we? On to the show! ******************************************************************************* 4) The game of Soccer To play this game, all you need is standard knowledge about football, and decent knowledge of the game. Now I don't assume that you know it all, so I'll tell you about it. Firstly, you can choose between "friendly" matches and "World Cup" matches. "Friendly" matches are the less serious ones, and you get no rewards for winning, and no boos for losing. "World Cup" matches are the serious matches. You get honour (Note to readers: I'm a Singaporean, therefore uses British spelling. The word "honour" is British spelling. The American spelling is "honor". I'm sorry you Americans out there but I've been learning British spelling all my life), a trophy (not real, of course), and perhaps a bonus team. If you lose, you don't get any of the above. You then have to choose a team, with the bonus teams (explained in detail later on) only available in friendly matches. Obviously, the higher ranked the team, the more powerful. And it is a known fact that Italy is stronger then China PR. However, if you prefer a challenge, go with the lower ranked teams. Mostly, they are Asian (weep) and African teams, with a few European teams mixed in there. Then comes the "kickoff". That's the start of a 90-minute football (or soccer in America) match. (In the game, you can change the full time from 90 minutes to the lowest 4 minutes) During the match, two teams battle for possession of the ball and tries to put the ball into the opponent's net, or goal. To do so, is to score a goal. At the end of the match, the player with the most goals wins. If at the end of a friendly match the score is a draw, you can either call it a draw, continue to extra time, or go straight to the penalty shootout. Extra time means that if one side scores a goal in that period, that side wins with the goal called a "Golden Goal". If by the end of the extra time period neither side has scored, the game progresses to a penalty shootout. Each side takes five penalties with set penalty takers and the one with more goals wins. If by the end the score is STILL the same, the shootout continues until there is a winner with more goals. For the World Cup, there are five stages, and seven matches in total. 3 matches in the group stage, and 1 each in the round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. In the group stage, there are eight groups (A to H), each with four teams. Each team battles all the other three teams and a win gives the team 3 points. A draw gives the team 1 point, and a loss, no points. By the end of the group stage, the two teams with the highest score in each team progresses to the round of 16. If two teams have the same score, the positions will be determined by goal difference. Then comes the knockout stages. Each team battle against a selected opponent and the winner goes on to the next stage, while the loser goes home and cries. If the initial 90 minutes ends in a draw, the teams will proceed to extra time, and if necessary, penalty shootout. The team that wins the finals, is the champion. Your aim of course, is to lead your team to become champions. If your team gets knocked out in the group stage, sucks to be you. If you get KOed in the round of 16 or quarterfinals, boo hoo. If you get knocked out in the semifinals, there's a consolation. You get to compete with the other loser for third and fourth place. If you get knocked out in the finals...then wah!!! For the match itself, the match goes on with teams fighting for the possession of the ball. Then they'll pass or dribble the ball until in a suitable position for scoring. Then the player will shoot, and hope that the opponent goalkeeper is sleeping. If the ball is with the opponent, you don't expect him/her/it to give to ball to you right? You have to tackle the ball out of his/her/it's possession. This may be essential as a defensive strategy. ******************************************************************************* 5) FAQ Anyone would think that the above stuff is not detailed enough to explain the game...so on to da questions and answers: Q: 90 minutes are up, but the game kept going! Why? A: After every half, there will be a stoppage time. The time can range from 1 minute and above, based on the amount of injuries/cards/substitutions in the half. The more of those, the longer the time. The period where the game kept going is the stoppage time. Q: I tapped the button D but my player only shot with a tiny force. Why? A: For shooting, passing and lobbing, you can control the power of the shot/pass/lob by holding down the respective button. There will be a power bar at the bottom of the screen indicating the power of the pass/shot/lob. The longer you hold the button, the higher the power. To stop the power from further charging and execute your movement of shooting, passing or lobbing, release the button. Q: How many substitutions can I make during a game? A: 3. Q: My player was sprinting when suddenly he slowed down and limped and seemed to be in pain! What is that? A: That's fatigue. Unless you turn the feature off, the player will get more and more tired when he sprints and the duration of the sprint gets shorter and shorter. Finally the player gets so tired he can't run at all. You should substitute fatigued players. Q: How to score a penalty? A: Hold the shoot button until the power meter is 2 units away from max. The ball will go into the top corner of the side you are aiming for and no keeper can save the shot. However, if the power gets any higher than that, the ball will either hit the bar (1 unit from max) or go over the top (max power). Q: After an opponent tackled my player, a red cross appeared above his head and he could only limp! Why? A: The tackle has injured him. Injured players can only limp and should be substituted by a fresh player immediately. Usually only a player with a 7 for tackle can injure. Others need to tackle many times. The goalkeeper seems to be awfully hard to injure, and you can never tackle your own team mates. No, no friendly fire. Q: How to save a penalty? A: It's all luck. You must guess where the ball is going to fly and dive in that direction. If the ball goes into the top corner you can't save it. Usually the ball will either go: -Extreme right (save by holding down right button and pressing D/A/S) -Extreme left (save by holding down left button and pressing D/A/S) -Center-right (save same way as extreme right) -Center-left (save same way as extreme left) -Center (save by simply doing nothing) Q: How to score from free kicks? A: Needs some luck too. You need a curve ball to curve past the wall. You must aim low by pressing down until the arrow is on the ground, then hold down Z or C depending on the position of the wall and the goalkeeper (aim at the side further from the keeper), then shoot depending on the distance between the goal and the keeper. If you are rather far, you probably wouldn't score, and you can safely hold the D button to max and hope for the best. If you are near, press until the perfect position for a penalty ( 2 units from max). Then pray for luck. *Update: I've found that it is better to target the arrow in midair rather than on the ground.* Q: How do you prevent the opponent from scoring from corners? A: First, select a player near the goal and sprint him to the goal line. He will act as a block if the ball goes his way. Then when the corner is taken, select a player close to the receiving opponent and do a conservative tackle to knock the ball out of him. Keep tackling until the ball's gone, but never do a aggressive tackle as that'll probably result in a penalty, and a card. Q: What's the difference between a conservative and a aggressive tackle? A: A conservative tackle may or may not get you the ball, but it will not get you a card. An aggressive tackle should get you the ball, but should get you a card as well. Aggressive tackles are best for blocking passes or shots, or used when bookings are off. Q: How to score easily? A: Here's a neat little trick for ya: When you are one-on-one with the opponent's keeper, do a weak little lob to lob the ball over his head. The keeper will probably dive for the ball and miss if you timed the lob right. Then circle past the keeper, get the fallen ball, and tap it into the open net. Or, for utter humiliation, walk the ball over the line. This should work if your timing is right, the player is skilled enough, and the lob's power is just nice. There's another really cheap way that doesn't require skill: dribble the ball near the opponent goalkeeper and press Q. See what happens. Q: How to make the opponent foul and get cards? A: Cheeky...a VERY RISKY way is: pass the ball back to your keeper, and make him dribble the ball to the opponent's half, and work your way to the penalty box. Try not to get the ball tackled away before your keeper gets near the penalty box. The opponent should slide the keeper and get a card. This is taking advantage of the fact that the computer tends to slide your keeper if he gets near their goal. This is risky however, as if the ball gets tackled out but a foul is not committed, you may be in danger with a wide open goal. Second way is much less risky: send anyone with the ball to your opponent's half, and stick him near the enemy penalty box. Do not stick him IN the box! Try to make his back face a opposing defender. The defender will tend to slide players that are near the box and has his back facing him. Q: Which is the best team? A: Hmmmm...I really can't answer this. It's really up to you, depending on your strategy and your likings. I personally prefer Italy, as they have many quality players, a stable defense, and a lot of star shooters (no, they are not people who shoot stars. They are people who are stars at shooting). Q: Talking about star shooters, what are stars? A: Stars are gigantic balls that gives out light, hanging everywhere in the universe. No serious. Stars are players that excel in one or more of the following stats: shooting, speed, and passing. The maximum stat for each category is seven, so a player with seven for shooting will be a star shooter. Some examples of star shooters are Hakan Sukur of Turkey, Gabriel Batistuta of Argentina, and Andreas Herzog of Austria. Some people have two star stats. Some examples are Juan Sebastian Veron of Argentina (shooting and passing), David Beckham of England (shooting and passing), and Fillipo Inzaghi of Italy (shooting and speed). Some geniuses have all three star stats. They are: -Michael Owen of England -Francesco Totti of Italy -Raul of Spain -Henrik Larsson of Sweden Each of these stars have star abilities. Star abilities are shown by a coloured blur that appears on the player, or on the ball. Like when a star speed player sprints, a coloured blur appears on him and it appears that he's running like the wind. For star shooters, the ball becomes surrounded with fire when they shoot. For star passers, the ball becomes surrounded by a white blur, as if the ball is going at mach 3. Q: Can you edit players, create players, buy or sell players like in FIFA 2001? A: No. That feature was taken out. *Smacks EA Sports with a steel ladder* Q: What's the difference between "shot on target" and "shot off target"? A: A shot on target means the shot heads for anywhere between the two posts and below the crossbar, aiming at goal. Goal or no goal, that's a shot on target. A shot off target means the shot goes beyond the crossbar and out, or outside of goal and inside of goal box. That means: ------------------------|-------y--x-----------x--y-------|--------------------- | | | | | |-----------------| | | | | | |---------------------------------| Let's say that's a penalty box. X means the posts, and y means the goal box. So if the shot goes out between x and y, that's a shot off target. It counts as long as the ball goes out in that zone, no matter if it was a shot or not. Of course, if the opponent did that in their own half, it'll be a corner to you, and no shot off target is recorded. If the ball goes out beyond y, that's not considered a shot. Q: When do you get goal kicks, corners, throw-ins, free kicks or penalties? A: You get a goal kick when the ball gets over the bottom line of your half and the opponent had the last touch. You get a corner when the ball goes over the opponent's bottom line and the opponent had the last touch. You get a throw-in if the ball goes over the touchline (sideline) and the opponent had the last touch. You get a free kick at the position where your opponent committed a foul, or was offside. You get a penalty if your opponent fouls your players when in their own penalty area. Remember, the same rules apply to you. Q: What's GK, CAM, RCDM, ST and all those stuff you used in the team overview? A: GK stands for goalkeeper, RB stands for right back, RCB stands for right center back, CB stands for center back, LCB stands for left center back, LB stands for left back, SW stands for the last man (the one behind the defenders but in front of the keeper), RM stands for right midfielder, RWM stands for right wing midfielder, RCM stands for right center midfielder, (pant...)CM stands for center midfielder, LCM stands for left center midfielder, LM stands for left midfielder, LWM stands for left wing midfielder, CAM stands for center attacking midfielder, CDM stands for center defensive midfielder, RCAM stands for right center attacking midfielder(pant...),RCDM, right center defensive midfielder, LCAM, left center attacking midfielder, LCDM, left center defensive midfielder, RF stands for right forward, LF stands for left forward, CF, center forward, ST, the man in front of the center forward. (Collapses and dies) (Revives)That's all so far. If I find any more questions I'll update ASAP. ******************************************************************************* 6) Hints and Tips Little tricks that help you master the game better... -To unlock the all Europe team, win the world cup with a European nation. Example: Portugal, Italy, France... -To unlock the all America team, win the world cup with a north/south American nation. Example: USA, Mexico, Argentina... -To unlock the all African team, win the world cup with a African nation. Example: Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, Egypt(just kidding) -To unlock the all Asian team, win the world cup with a Asian nation. Example: Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Singapore(just kidding again) -The all World team is yours after you unlock the other four bonus teams. -Try using crosses to baffle the opponent's keeper. -Short passes are useful in professional or World Class mode. -Never allow your keeper to be out of position, unless you are using my little trick of forcing fouls, or trying to humiliate your opponent by scoring a hat- trick with your keeper. -If a player gets a yellow card, sub him out unless he is a great player like Raul or Totti. -Do a quick juggle before shooting when near the opponent keeper for a higher chance of scoring.(This is according to OHMCS110's guide) -Sometimes, you can score by forcing the opponent to score own goals. Find out how. -If things are against your favour in a important match, use side select, switch to the opposition, and make them score own goals until the score is in your favour again. Then, switch back. This is cheap, I know. But I was forced to resort to this when my Chinese team were 1-7 behind a Brazilian team in the world cup in World Class mode. -If you can't pass well and yet want to score, go with beginner mode. Amateur and on will see you getting tackled out of possession a lot. -Try not to let your keeper get the ball too much. If the opponent tackles the ball out of him your are toast. -If you can't juggle, don't. You are wasting time and are susceptible to tackles. -Long shots almost never get you anywhere in this game. However, there is a way to score from the middle line...find out how yourself. -The computer almost cheats in every game, and that's no exception to FIFA World Cup 2002. The computer is going to make a lot of perfect long lobs and passes. Don't try long lobs yourself. Go with short passes unless you are absolutely sure of yourself, or have the time and goals to spare. -Attacking by the flanks are easier but less dangerous to the opponent, while attacking from the center is harder to do but more dangerous to the opponent. That's all for now. If I get anymore I'll update ASAP. Promise. ******************************************************************************* 7) Formations Success in a football (soccer)game is largely dependant on the formations and starting lineup. Here I'll tell more about the formations and describe them. 4-4-2 formation: The standard formation for many teams. The majority of teams use this formation, with varying midfield and forward positions mostly. The midfield can either be spread out (with a RM, RCM, LCM, and LM), or clustered in the center (with a RCM, CAM, CDM, and LCM). The forward can either be spread out (with a RF and a LF), or in a vertical line (with a CF and a ST). Examples of teams: Australia, Brazil, China PR 4-5-1 formation: With this kind of formation you can dominate the midfield area and have good midfield support for the striker while providing cover for your defenders. Suitable for teams with many quality midfielders( e.g. England) Examples of teams: Israel, Norway 5-3-2 formation: Stable defense suitable for counter-attack with the two wing defenders usually being able to attack. The defenders can sometimes come up front and support the strikers, while the midfielders can aid in everything. This is my personal favourite formation. Examples of teams: Italy, Scotland, Turkey 5-4-1 formation: High defense with ability to dominate midfield this is more of a defensive formation. When you decide to secure your win you may use this formation. The two wing defenders can still support up front and provide crosses while the midfielders cover both ends. Examples of teams: none evident in game by default 3-4-3 formation: Midfielders should generally aid in defense in this formation while using possession strategy to pass to your many strikers to attempt goals. This is rather hard to play because of the weakness at the back, and once the opponent slips through you may have a problem. Examples of teams: South Korea, Tunisia, Uruguay 3-5-2 formation: The midfielders can cover in defense while providing the strikers with passes and crosses. Teams with reliable defenders like France or the all Europe team can use this well. However, as with the 3-4-3, once the opponent slips through, you may be hard pressed. Examples of teams: Germany, Austria, Argentina 4-3-3 formation: Similar to 4-4-2 but more adventurous and offensive, and more vulnerable at the back. The central midfielder should aid in defense more often than anything, though I don't really support this formation. Examples of teams: none evident in game by default Down to 10 men: Generally, you should keep your defense intact and make the handicap at the front. Otherwise the opponent may take advantage of the situation and score more goals. Note: If you are down to seven men, you lose the game 0-2 due to a rule that says that you can't play with less than eight men. If the need arises, I'll put in sections on down to 9 and 8 men. Not now though. ******************************************************************************** 8) Team overview: That's it...the main bulk of my guide, highlighting all the teams and their starting lineup, as well as a description of the teams and a list of their star players. No, I'm not including a whole list of the players including substitutes and reserves. And I'm not listing out all the stats. No, I'm too young to break my hand typing. Argentina: World ranking (as of 2002 FIFA World Cup): 2 Territory: CONMEBOL (S.America) Best result: Champions (1986) Description: Generally good team with a lot of options up front. Juan Sebastian Veron and Claudio Lopez should be the main strike force while Pablo Aimar can provide good midfield support. Defensively not so impressive. Formation: 3-5-2 Star players: Pablo Aimar (speed), Juan Sebastian Veron (shoot, pass), Claudio Lopez (shoot), Gabriel Batistuta (shoot), Roberto Ayala (speed) Starting lineup: Player POS Overall 1. G.Burgos GK 75 4. N.Vivas RB 72 5. E.Berrizo CB 70 6. W.Samuel LB 85 8. J.Zanetti RWM 78 16. P.Aimar LWM 87 11. J.Sebastian Veron RCAM 87 3. J.Pablo Sorin CDM 68 14. D.Simeone LCAM 80 9. H.Crespo RF 86 7. C.Lopez LF 83 Australia: World ranking (as of 2002 FIFA World Cup): 35 Territory: OFC (Oceania) Best result: First round (1974) Description: Not your standard powerful team. The keeper is good, the defense is not impressive, the midfield is just okay, and up front you've got a pretty good striker (Harry Kewell). Not that good. Formation: 4-4-2 Star player: Harry Kewell (speed) Starting lineup: 1.M.Schwarzer GK 70 3.C.Moore RB 72 14. T.Popovic RCB 63 6. T.Vidmar LCB 70 2.K.Muscat LB 66 4. P.Okon CDM 59 13. B.Emerton RM 66 8. S.Lazaridis LM 76 25. J.Skoko CAM 76 9. M.Viduka RF 77 10. H.Kewell LF 74 Austria: World ranking (as of 2002 FIFA World Cup): 39 Territory: UEFA (Europe) Best result: Semifinals (1954) Description: Only has Andreas Herzog as reliable striker. Nothing else is impressive. Not that good overall. Formation: 3-5-2 Star player: Andreas Herzog (shoot) Starting lineup: 1. F.Wohlfart GK 57 5. G.Neukirchner RB 68 4. M.Stranzi CB 72 40. R.Kirchler LB 72 7. M.Hatz RWM 57 3. G.Prilasnig LWM 55 8. D. Kuhbauer RCAM 66 19. H.Cerny CDM 77 11. M.Schopp LCAM 66 10. A.Herzog CF 76 9. I.Vastic ST 69 Belgium: World ranking (as of 2002 FIFA World Cup): 17 Territory: UEFA (Europe) Best result: Semifinals (1986) Description: Brilliant up front, with Wilmots and Mpenza for efficient strike. The back is not too steady, and requires midfield support. Pretty good team with great striking ability overall. Formation: 4-4-2 Star players: Marc Wilmots (shoot), Emile Mpenza (speed, shoot) Starting lineup: 1. G.De Vileger GK 68 2. E.Deflandre RB 82 4. E.Van Meir RCB 72 3. J.Valgaeren LCB 76 19. D. Dheedene LB 74 17. Y. Vanderhaeghe CDM 76 11. G.Verheyen RM 68 5. W.Baseggio LM 73 9. M.Wilmots CAM 80 20. E.Mpenza CF 90 16. B.Peeters ST 66 Brazil: World ranking (as of 2002 FIFA World Cup): 2 Territory: CONMEBOL (S.America) Best Result: Champions (1994) Description: Great team with weak striker (don't get me wrong, I'm pointing at Edilson, the default striker. Luizao is good enough) but plenty of star players providing midfield support as well as great wing defenders for a steady defense. The presense of Ronaldo and Rivaldo adds a sparkle to the already amazing team. Great team overall. Formation: 4-4-2 Star players: Cafu (speed), Roberto Carlos (speed, shoot), Ronaldo (speed, shoot), Rivaldo (shoot, pass), Elber (shoot) Starting lineup: 1. Marcos GK 82 2. Cafu RB 88 4. R.Junior RCB 77 14. Juan LCB 76 6. R.carlos LB 88 5. Emerson CDM 81 7. Ronaldinho Gaucho RM 74 9. Ronaldo LM 91 10. Rivaldo CAM 88 11. Edilson RF 68 33. Luizao LF 77 Cameroon: World ranking (as of 2002 FIFA World Cup): 30 Terrritory: CAF (Africa) Best result: Quarterfinals (1990) Description: Pretty average team, and not particaularly good at anything. Eto'o can be used for sudden break throughs, but it is hard to play offensively with Cameroon. Formation: 4-4-2 Star player: Samuel Eto'o (speed) Starting lineup: 1. J.Songo'o Gk 75 4. R.Song RB 52 5. R.Kalla RCB 62 13. B.Tchato LCB 60 6. P.Njanka LB 64 12. Lauren RM 74 28. Marc-Vivien Foe RCM 78 16. N.Alnoudji LCM 56 29. S.Branco LM 80 11. S.Eto'o RF 85 10. P.Mboma LF 83 China PR: World ranking (as of 2002 FIFA World Cup): 38 Territory: AFC (Asia) Best result: Never qualified Description: Woeful. The average overall for the starting lineup is _54.18_, and the highest overall is _67_. The results never lie. 0-2 loss against Costa Rica, 0-4 loss against Brazil, and 0-3 loss against Turkey in the World Cup tells all. Conceded 9 goals and scored 0. What makes things funnier, is that I went to China during the World Cup period, and I could see lots of advertisement showing the China team score goals and doing amazing soccer tricks like bicycle kicks. SO different from the real thing. The worst team in the game. Formation: 4-4-2 Star player: None (obviously) Starting lineup: 22. J.Jin GK 75 7. S.Jihai RB 46 5. F.Zhiyi RCB 67 14. L.Wei Feng LCB 48 4. W.Chengying LB 49 18. L.Xiaopeng RM 50 8. L.Tie RCM 42 19. Q.Hong LCM 48 9. M.Mingyu LM 48 20. Y.Chen RF 64 10. H.Haidong LF 59 Costa Rica: World ranking (as of 2002 FIFA World Cup): 25 Territory: CONCACAF (N.America) Best result: Round of 16 (1990) Description: Not the powerful team. Defensively shaky, because the highest tackle stat for the starting lineup is a measly 3. Wanchope is the only star player, and should be relied on for goals. Formation: 4-4-2 Star player: Paulo Wanchope (shoot) Starting lineup: 1. E.Lonnis GK 52 2. J.Drummond RB 50 4. G.Martinez RCB 46 11. W.Centeno LCB 47 13. W.Lopez LB 50 7. R.Fonsera CDM 54 10. R.Cordero RM 51 8. M.Solis LM 52 9. P.Wanchope CAM 69 6. R.Parks RF 50 22. C.Castro LF 48 Croatia: World ranking (as of 2002 FIFA World Cup): 16 Territory: UEFA (Europe) Best result: Semifinals (1998) Description: Decent team with balanced stats. What surprises me is that Bosko Balaban, arguably the best player here, is on the bench. Suker is a great striker, so is Boksic. The midfield is generally good, and the defense plus the goalkeeper is decent as well. Good team overall. Formation: 4-4-2 Star players: Mario Stanic (speed), Davor Suker (shoot), Bosko Balaban (speed, shoot) Starting lineup: 15. Z.Pavlovic GK 74 20. D.Saric RB 58 5. I.Tudor RCB 77 2. D.Simic LCB 80 3. R.Kovac LB 79 6. M.Stanic RM 75 14. I.Biscan RCM 65 10. R.Prosinecki LCM 63 4. N.Kovac LM 80 11. A.Boksic CF 68 9. D.Suker ST 68 Czech Republic: World ranking (as of 2002 FIFA World Cup): 12 Territory: UEFA (Europe) Best result: Runners up (1962) Description: Another decent team. Pavel Nedved should do most of the work while Novotny is the best defender with the highest score for tackle. The keeper isn't impressive, and needs the defence and the midfield to aid. Fairly good team, with some flaws. The star player Pavel Kuka is on the bench. Formation: 4-4-2 Star players: Pavel Nedved (shoot), Pavel Kuka (speed) Starting lineup: 1. P.Srnicek GK 58 16. M.Fukal RB 62 17. T.Votava RCB 72 7. V.Smicer LCB 64 3. J.Novotny LB 74 2. T.Repka RM 72 5. T.Rosicky RCM 80 4. P.Nedved LCM 85 6. P.Berger LM 72 11. M.Baros RF 70 9. J.Koller LF 78 Denmark: World ranking (as of 2002 FIFA World Cup): 14 Territory: UEFA (Europe) Best result: Quarterfinals (1998) Description: Average team with a fairly average stat balance. The star Gronkjaer is the shooter, and should make passes to Tomasson to score, or do it himself. The keeper is good, but the defence is quite shaky. Helveg is the backbone of defense. Formation: 4-4-2 Star player: Jesper Gronkjaer (shoot) Starting lineup: 1. T.Sorenson GK 72 6. T.Helveg RB 76 13. M.Laursen RCB 57 3. R.Henriksen LCB 53 5. J.Heintze LB 66 8. J.Gronkjaer RM 75 20. T.Gravesen RCM 79 15. S.Tofting LCM 55 10. M.Jurgensen LM 76 11. E.Sand CF 83 9. J.Dahl Tomasson ST 73 Ecuador: World ranking (as of 2002 FIFA World Cup): 31 Territory: CONMEBOL (S.America) Best result: Never qualified Description: Under average team with decent strikers but not much else. Avoid using unless you want a challenge. Formation: 4-4-2 Star player: Agustin Delgado (shoot) Starting lineup: 1. J.Cevallos GK 42 4. U.De La Cruz RB 70 3. I.Hurtado RCB 59 17. G.Espinoza LCB 59 6. R.Guerron LB 60 5. A.Obregon RM 60 20. E.Tenorio RCM 58 16. E.Chala LCM 60 10. A.Aguinaga LM 61 11. A.Delgado RF 68 9. I.Kaviedes LF 80 England: World ranking (as of 2002 FIFA World Cup): 9 Territory: UEFA (Europe) Best result: Champions (1966) Description: Great team with a lot of star players to boost your striking, midfield and the back. Very high stat balance with only 4 people in the starting lineup having an average of lower than 80, and no one in the starting lineup is lower than 76. Owen makes for a deadly strike force. Try subbing out Heskey for Sheringham. Formation: 4-4-2 Star players: Rio Ferdinand (speed), Steven Gerrard (pass), David Beckham (shoot, pass), Paul Scholes (shoot, pass), Michael Owen (speed, shoot, pass) Starting lineup: 1. D.Seaman GK 77 2. G.Neville RB 78 6. R.Ferdinand RCB 84 5. S.Campbell LCB 88 3. A.Cole LB 78 4. S.Gerrard CDM 81 7. D.Beckham RM 85 8. S.Mcmanaman LM 79 18. P.Scholes CAM 85 19. E.Heskey CF 76 10. M.Owen ST 86 Finland: World ranking (as of 2002 FIFA World Cup): 34 Territory: UEFA (Europe) Best result: Never qualified Description: Okay team, but not to the standards of teams like England or Italy. Sami Hyypia is a great one at the back, while Jari Litmanen's striking capabilities is mentionable. Average team overall. Formation: 4-4-2 Star player: Jari Litmanen (shoot) Starting lineup: 1. A.Niemi GK 76 18. P.Helin RB 50 5. H.Tihinen RCB 78 4. S.Hyypia LCB 80 14. H.Ylonen LB 64 7. M.Nurmela RM 66 6. A.Riihilahti RCM 61 8. J.Wiss LCM 56 11. J.Kolkka LM 72 10. J.Litnamen CF 79 20. J.Johansson ST 68 France: World ranking (as of 2002 FIFA World Cup): 1 Territory: UEFA (Europe) Best result: Champions (1998) Description: Well balanced team with great striking capabilities, a steady defense, a good goalkeeper, great midfield boosted by the likes of Zidane, Pires and Petit, and the great Thierry Henry. Worthy of the 1998 World Cup, although disappointing performance back at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Formation: 4-4-2 Star players: Robert Pires (pass), Zinedine Zidane (shoot, pass), Thierry Henry (speed, shoot), David Trezeguet (shoot) Starting lineup: 16. F.Barthez GK 77 8. M.Desailly SW 86 15. L.Thuram RB 74 5. F.Leboeuf CB 74 3. B.Lizarazu LB 85 11. R.Pires CDM 83 4. P.Vieira RM 86 17. E.Petit LM 83 10. Z.Zidane CAM 88 12. T.Henry CF 90 20. D.Trezeguet ST 84 Germany: World ranking (as of 2002 FIFA World Cup): 10 Territory: UEFA (Europe) Best result: Champions (1990) Description: Good technical team overall, but something strikes me as funny. Almost all the star players except one are on the bench. The keeper is legendary, and the midfield is great. This team had great substitutes, and I usually replace some players with the star players. Formation: 3-5-2 Star players: Gerald Asamoah (speed, shoot), Sebastian Deisler (pass), Carsten Jancker (shoot), Thomas Linke (pass) Starting lineup: 1. O.Kahn GK 82 (best goalkeeper in the game) 2. J.Nowotny SW 85 4. C.Worns RB 77 3. M.Rehmer LB 70 6. S.Deisler RWM 84 11. C.Ziege LWM 74 14. M.Ballack RCAM 83 7. D.Hamann CDM 74 (underated in my opinion) 8. M.Scholl LCAM 81 9. O.Bierhoff RF 68 18. O.Neuville LF 74 Greece: World ranking (as of 2002 FIFA World Cup): 40 Territory: UEFA (Europe) Best result: First round (1994) Description: Fairly average team, with nothing much to boast about. There is a star shooter, and the overall stats are above average, although not very good. Average team overall. By the way, notice how every single player's name ends with a "s"? Formation: 4-4-2 Star player: Nichlos Machlas (shoot) Starting lineup: 1. A. Nikopolidis GK 70 2. D.Mavrogenidis RB 74 8. Y.Goumas RCB 68 3. S.Venetidis LCB 64 22. P.Fyssas LB 57 6. A.Basinas RM 68 7. T.Zagorakis RCM 73 26. G.Karagounis LCM 70 34. G.Georgatos LM 72 11. D.Nikolaidis CF 80 9. N.Machlas ST 72 Israel: World ranking (as of 2002 FIFA World Cup): 36 Territorry: UEFA (Europe) Best result: First round (1970) Description: Similar to Greece, as in strength and abilities. Not much to boast about once again, and only has a star passer. Average team overall. Formation: 4-5-1 Star player: Shimon Gershon (pass) Starting lineup: 1. D.Awat GK 68 5. S.Gershon SW 70 3. O.Talkar RB 62 4. A.Benado CB 49 6. A.Keisi LB 62 17. I.Tal RDM 72 7. T.Banin CDM 70 15. Y.Benaynn LDM 70 10. E.Berkovic RCAM 60 8. H.Revivo LCAM 78 11. A.Nimmi CF 72 Italy: World ranking (as of 2002 FIFA World Cup): 5 Territory: UEFA (Europe) Best result: Champions (1982) Description: Powerful team with a hard defense, a decent keeper, a amazing midfield (I usually replace Tomassi with the far better Stefano Fiore), and two very potent strikers. I can't say anything bad about this team can I? My personal favourite. Also I think the only team team with two players that averages at 90 or above. Formation: 5-3-2 Star players: Alessandro Del Piero (speed, shoot), Paolo Maldini (speed), Stenafo Fiore (shoot, pass), Fillipo Inzaghi (speed, shoot), Francesco Totti (speed, shoot, pass) Starting lineup: 1. G.Buffon GK 75 17. G.Zambrotta RB 73 13. A.Nesta RCB 90 4. D.Albertini CB 83 3. P.Maldini LCB 90 5. F.Cannavaro LB 85 8. D.Tomassi RDM 80 10. A.Del Piero LDM 85 20. F.Totti CAM 88 21. C.Vieri RF 85 9. F.Inzaghi LF 84 Japan: World ranking (as of 2002 FIFA World Cup): Territory: AFC (Asia) Best result: Description: Average team overall with no star players in the starting lineup. The entire team is average. Formation: 4-4-2 Star player: Hidetoshi Nakata (pass) Starting lineup: 20. H.Sogahata GK 64 2. Y.Hato RB 62 4. R.Morioka RCB 68 17. T.Miyamoto LCB 62 16. K.Nakata LB 66 5. J.Inamoto CDM 70 21. K.Toda RM 62 12. S.Ono LM 72 8. H.Morishima CAM 66 19. N.Takahara CF 68 13. A.Yanagisawa ST 72 Mexico: World ranking (as of 2002 FIFA World Cup): Territory: Best result: Description: Above average team with Blanco as the main star. The goalkeeper needs help and the back isn't spectacular. The whole team is kind of filmsy, but has good striking support. Look at No.16's name. Formation: 4-4-2 Star player: Starting lineup: 12. O.Perez GK 58 16. Jesus Arellano RB 61 5. M.Vidrio RCB 66 2. C.Suarez LCB 78 7. R.Carlos Morales LB 64 8. A.Garcia Aspe RM 60 4. R. Marquez RCM 76 18. J.Rodriguez LCM 72 13. S.Mercado LM 63 17. Paco RF 73 10. C.Blanco LF 86 *This section is far from complete. I'll update ASAP.* ******************************************************************************** 9. Special situations: There are some situations in the game that are hard to handle. This should provide an outline of what to do if you are stuck. Situation 1: You are down to 10 men. Solution: Try not to get any more cards and play by the rules. Adopt a more defensive formation and try not to let the opponent take advantage of your 10 men situation and score more goals. 5-3-1 is good. Situation 2: You have made 3 substitutions already, and another of your player got injured! Solution: Transfer the player to the forward or midfield area, and do not put him in the defense. If bookings isn't on, turn it on. This will prevent some more injuries by threatening the opponent with bookings. If you are playing the computer or if your opponent agrees, turn off the injuries option. Situation 3: You are down to 8 men! Solution: If you can, stop the game. You are in a sure position to lose, either by the rules, or by having too little people. Again leave your defense unharmed, and go for counter-attacks. Force a draw if possible, and immediately sub out anyone of your team if they get another yellow card. Don't foul anyone. Situation 4: You are in an important game and your opponent is leading you by too much! Solution: Calculate the difference between skills of the two sides. If it is something like Spain VS Italy, you are probably careless, not good enough (no offense), or the computer/opponent is too good. In this case, try a more cautious approach and be less careless, or if you are playing the computer, tone down the difficulty to something you can handle. If it is like China VS Brazil, you probably have to resort to underhand methods like selecting sides and making the opponent score own goals to make things good, as games like that are bound to be one sided. If playing the computer, switch to beginner mode, and use the underhand method until you're looking good. Then, continue with your old side. Situation 5: You're winning a hard-fought game, when suddenly the game hangs. Solution: Take a deep breath, calm down, and try to defreeze the game by closing down some background programs with Ctrl+Alt+Del. If that doesn't work, too bad. Face it. Like me. I've already ordered a Intel Pentium 4 2.66 GHz computer in hopes of better gameplay. If things like that happen to you, solve the problem somehow, instead of smashing the computer in anger (like me sometimes). End. ********************************************************************************