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2002 Fifa World Cup Faq

by Steve Burn

           
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EA Sports 2002 FIFA World Cup
Single and multiplayer guide, strategies and tips
Written by Stevie_burn (Steve Burn)
[email protected]

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Copyright 2003 Steve Burn <[email protected]>

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2002 FIFA World Cup
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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.*






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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.
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