The Independent - Football
France vs Argentina, World Cup 2018: Javier Mascherano retires after tournament exit
Mascherano confirmed that, at 35, the game in Kazan was his last for the national team
Saturday, June 30, 2018
Friday, June 29, 2018
With World Cup field halved, here’s a look at what’s next
Football – Inquirer Sports
With World Cup field halved, here’s a look at what’s next
MOSCOW — The World Cup started with eight groups of four, 32 nations in all seeking to make it to the knockout stage. Colombia and — just barely — Japan grabbed the two spots from Group H in Thursday’s early matches, and England and Belgium sorted out the top of Group F later that night […]
The post With World Cup field halved, here’s a look at what’s next appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Goran Bunjevcevic dead: Former Tottenham Hotspur defender dies at the age of 45
The Independent - Football
Goran Bunjevcevic dead: Former Tottenham Hotspur defender dies at the age of 45
Aleksandar Kolarov dedicated Serbia's winning goal against Costa Rica in their World Cup opener to the popular executive only last week
Donal Moloney sideline ban upheld ahead of Munster final clash with Cork
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Donal Moloney sideline ban upheld ahead of Munster final clash with Cork
Clare co-manager Donal Moloney will not be on the sideline for Sunday’s Munster SHC final against Cork as the Central Hearings Committee (CHC) have upheld his recommended three-month ban.
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Maradona says he’s well after being treated at World Cup
Football – Inquirer Sports
Maradona says he’s well after being treated at World Cup
Argentine football great Diego Maradona says he is well after requiring medical treatment at a World Cup game in Russia.
The post Maradona says he’s well after being treated at World Cup appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Nigeria’s VAR penalty claim was EXACTLY the same as Australia’s… but with the opposite outcome
Dream Team FC
Nigeria’s VAR penalty claim was EXACTLY the same as Australia’s… but with the opposite outcome
Two penalty claims.
Almost identical in nature.
Both reviewed by VAR.
Completely different outcomes.
Yep, another VAR discussion… just what we all needReuters
Technology is only as good as the people using it.
The backlash against the use of VAR at this World Cup is understandable when you compare two incidents like the twin penalty claims in Denmark v Australia and Nigeria v Argentina.
Last Thursday, Yussef Poulsen was penalised for handball by the referee following a VAR review.
“I heard the Mr Plow episode was on. How do I change channel?”Getty - Contributor
The ball cannoned off the Danish forward’s arm as he jumped to compete at a corner.
The referee initially allowed play to continue but, after reviewing the pitchside screen, he awarded a spot-kick to Australia.
Poulsen certainly didn’t handle the ball deliberately and his arm was only outstretched because he used it for momentum in the act of jumping, as all players do.
The Danes felt hard done by, and with some justification.
Now, to Nigeria’s crunch match with Argentina.
After going 1-0 down to a wonderful Lionel Messi strike, the Super Eagles equalised from the penalty spot through Victor Moses in a tournament-shaping fixture.
The Chelsea wing-back calmly converted after the error-prone Javier Mascherano was the latest player to be punished for holding an opponent at a corner.
Soon after, Nigeria thought they deserved a second penalty when Marcos Rojo headed the ball onto his arm in the box.
Just as in the Denmark/Australia game, the referee did not award a penalty and subsequently consulted the footage at pitchside.
Head…
Elbows, knees and toes, knees and toes
Unlike the Denmark/Australia game however, the referee decided to uphold his original decision.
Both incidents featured an outstretched arm significantly impacting the ball immediately after a header.
Australia were awarded a penalty, Nigeria were not.
It’s not that the referee in the Group D fixture made a glaring error in failing to reverse his decision, it’s simply the stark inconsistency that may leave Nigeria fans feeling aggrieved.
The African side were then dealt a particularly cruel blow when Rojo popped up in their box to score a dramatic winner for Argentina, confirming Nigeria’s exit.
A joke about Messi being carried instead of carrying his team-matesEPA
Disagreements about VAR will inevitably last the duration of this tournament and beyond.
Quite entertaining though, isn’t it?
Monday, June 25, 2018
Torrent wins in NYCFC debut over Toronto FC
Sportsnet.ca
Torrent wins in NYCFC debut over Toronto FC
NEW YORK — Jo Inge Berget scored twice in the second half and coach Domenec Torrent celebrated his New York City FC debut with a 2-1 victory over Toronto FC on Sunday.
Berget made it 2-1 in the 68th minute, following Maximiliano Moralez’s direct pass up the right channel and slotting it home.
"I think as a group we need to continue to evolve with the game as it progresses," said Toronto FC coach Greg Vanney on his team’s problems in the second half. "We need continue to work through different guys showing up in different places, communicate with one another, and continue to work through the tough moments. This is a team that will show you different looks, and you got to be able to adapt. Over the course of the game we weren’t very efficient on the defensive side which cost us a lot of energy."
NYCFC (9-3-4) tied it at 1 in the 51st minute on Berget’s back heel from the top of the six-yard box.
Victor Vazquez opened the scoring for Toronto (4-8-3) in the 37th minute. Vasquez outran his defender on Auro’s long ball up the right side and sent a chip shot over the onrushing goalkeeper.
NYCFC’s David Villa left the game in the 28th minute with a non-contact injury.
Torrent replaced Patrick Vieira in New York shortly after Vieira’s departure for OGC Nice was officially confirmed. Torrent had been the right-hand man to Pep Guardiola for the last 11 years, most recently at Manchester City.
Sunday, June 24, 2018
No revolt against Sampaoli, says Mascherano
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
No revolt against Sampaoli, says Mascherano
Argentina coach under pressure after 3-0 defeat to Croatia left the two-time winners fighting for their World Cup lives.
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Toni Kroos goes full Cristiano Ronaldo to save Germany with a stoppage-time free-kick
Dream Team FC
Toni Kroos goes full Cristiano Ronaldo to save Germany with a stoppage-time free-kick
You have to feel for Sweden.
Toni Kroos was Germany’s hero after he produced a moment of magic to save Germany from the brink of World Cup elimination.
It took a free-kick in the 95th minute to beat Sweden as Joachim Low’s side were 2-1 winners on the night.
CLAIM YOUR FREE £20 BET Sun Bets have this brilliant offer when you sign up and bet a fiver
Reuters The match winner[/caption]
Kroos had the pressure of a nation on his shoulders when he stepped up in stoppage-time.
The Bayern man had been one of Germany’s worst performers on the night, giving the ball away in the buildup to Sweden’s opener through Ola Toivonen.
Kroos however made up for his mistake in the best way possible.
This reminded everyone of Ronaldo’s expression before his free-kick against Spain
Kroos rolled the ball to Marco Reus who laid it back to the Bayern man
The textbook strike curled into the top corner
The stadium erupted after the dramatic winner
The goal sparked scenes of jubilation from supporters and from Germany coaching staff and substitutes on the touch-line.
The fans couldn’t contain themselves
The late winner was reminiscent of Ronaldo’s last-gasp free-kick against Spain which earned Portugal a 3-3 draw.
Kroos stepped up to the ball with the same confidence that CR7 had before his strike.
AFP We’ve had two bonkers last-minute free-kicks[/caption]
Just when it looked all but over for the four-times world champions, Germany’s fate is now back in their own hands.
Joachim Low’s side will come up against group minnows South Korea in their final game, whilst Sweden face Mexico.
We know mate, we know
You can never rule out Germany.
CATCH UP ON THE LATEST WEIRD AND WONDERFUL NEWS FROM THE 2018 WORLD CUP
Friday, June 22, 2018
Kluivert junior leaves Ajax for Roma in $21m transfer
Sportsnet.ca
Kluivert junior leaves Ajax for Roma in $21m transfer
ROME — Roma signed Justin Kluivert, the son of former Milan and Barcelona forward Patrick, from Ajax on Friday for a fee that could rise to 18.75 million euros ($21.8 million).
The 19-year-old Dutch international forward has agreed a five-year contract with Roma.
"I’m very happy. I’m at an incredible club," Kluivert said. "I cannot wait to start. I believe that Roma is the ideal team for my growth, which will allow me to play at the highest levels."
Kluivert junior made 56 appearances and scored 13 goals for Ajaxe. He has one cap for the Netherlands.
He joins Roma for an initial 17.25 million euros ($20.1 million) and performance-related clauses could see the price rise by 1.5 million euros.
What’s going on with Argentina at the World Cup?
Sportsnet.ca
What’s going on with Argentina at the World Cup?
SB Nation’s Zito Madu joined Roger Lajoie on Sportsnet Tonight to help break down another tough result for Argentina, as well as take a look around other groups and what to expect from the World Cup moving forward.
The post What’s going on with Argentina at the World Cup? appeared first on Sportsnet.ca.
Thursday, June 21, 2018
Realm Royale: Everything you need to know about the new Fortnite – Xbox, PS4 release date, game tips and more
Dream Team FC
Realm Royale: Everything you need to know about the new Fortnite – Xbox, PS4 release date, game tips and more
The popularity of battle royale games is anything but on the decline.
With the announcement that triple-A-giants Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 and Battlefield 6 will host battle royale modes, the trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down, and neither does the demand for it.
Realm Royale is free-to-play on steam now!
Like Fortnite, the latest ‘battle royale phenomenon’ Realm Royale is completely free-to-play.
Designed by Hi-Rez studios, it can be downloaded from the Steam store and is currently in early access.
The aim of the game?
To fight your way through 100 other players as part of a team, specialising in one of five unique classes: assassin, warrior, mage, engineer and hunter.
All classes have different abilities for example, the assassin being able to teleport forwards and the warrior being able to leap over opponents.
A classic battle royale with 100 players dropping into the map
Players must search chests and wipe out opponents in order to upgrade their abilities, armour and weapons in a medieval-themed map.
An interesting feature of the game is the forge, where players are able to dismantle items they don’t want into shards, which can then be used to craft powerful weapons making you a force to reckon with in the final minutes of the game.
The forge can be used to upgrade weapons and armour
The infamous phrase made popular by PUBG, “Winner winner chicken dinner!” is taken quite literally in Realm Royale, with any knocked out player being turned into a giant chicken.
You are given the chance to flap away and return to human form to continue the fight, should you survive.
Spending your money
The game has a bright future in terms of in-game cosmetic items. Taking the lead from Fortnite and Hi-Rez’s previous title Paladins, ‘Pay-to-win’ most likely won’t be making an appearance, with players being able to purchase a ‘battle pass’ or in-game cosmetic items for cash.
Some fans of the title have expressed concerns over the prospect of Loot boxes, however, Hi-Rez previously removed them from Paladins, so it is unlikely they will go down this route.
With the introduction of mounts into the game, it will also be exciting to see different breeds and species of animals being introduced.
Mounts allow players to traverse the map with ease
Coming from Fortnite and PUBG
The similarities between Realm Royale and Fortnite lie in the graphics, the colours and the jovial, team based style of play that Fortnite fans credit it’s success too.
The building mechanics in Fortnite are really unique, with that style of play not taking a role in a more traditional battle royale setting.
PUBG players however, may be more comfortable when trying a hand at Realm Royale, due to the heavier focus on gun-play and map positioning.
Make sure to finish off your opponents whilst they are chickens!
With the game picking up in popularity, due to popular Twitch streamers such as, Tyler ‘Ninja’ Blevins and Jaryd ‘Summit1G’ Lazar playing the game, there are rumours it will be moving to consoles and mobile soon.
In fact according to the Express it has been confirmed on PlayStation and on Xbox.
So it’s time to pick a class, gather your squad, drop in and start playing.
Anything I need to know before jumping in a game?
Yes! Similar to other Battle Royale games, Realm Royale currently has only one playable map.
The first few minutes of the game tend to be quiet, allowing players to loot up, collect gear, find out where the best lookout spots are, and which areas are most heavily contested.
Click here to find the best Realm Royale landing spots!
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Germany suddenly most vulnerable of World Cup top contenders
Sportsnet.ca
Germany suddenly most vulnerable of World Cup top contenders
Henry Bushnell with YahooSports! joins Dan Riccio and Randip Janda to keep tabs on the World Cup, where no team stood out because the favourites under-performed. Past champions have slipped up in the group stage, but Germany is the most vulnerable of the top contenders. The most impressive squad, in his eyes, has been England. “They have new feel about them.” He talks tactics for Spain, Brazil with and without Neymar, and second-tier teams that could threaten, notably Argentina.
The post Tommy Wheeldon Jr.: Ronaldo’s performance, England’s victory and Russia’s early success appeared first on Sportsnet.ca.
Argentina coach plans major changes to team at World Cup
Football – Inquirer Sports
Argentina coach plans major changes to team at World Cup
BRONNITSY, Russia — Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli is planning major changes to his team for the South Americans’ next World Cup match. In the team’s first training session since a disappointing 1-1 draw against Iceland, Sampaoli tried a different tactical approach Monday, with an eye toward the clash against Croatia on Thursday. He tested a […]
The post Argentina coach plans major changes to team at World Cup appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Monday, June 18, 2018
World Cup 2018: Lionel Messi breaks his silence following penalty miss in Argentina draw to Iceland
The Independent - Football
World Cup 2018: Lionel Messi breaks his silence following penalty miss in Argentina draw to Iceland
Argentina missed the chance to go top of Group D with the win
Sunday, June 17, 2018
Germany vs Mexico: Criticised for being sterile, Juan Carlos Osorio provides El Tri with their biggest World Cup celebration
The Independent - Football
Germany vs Mexico: Criticised for being sterile, Juan Carlos Osorio provides El Tri with their biggest World Cup celebration
Germany 0-1 Mexico: Hirving Lozano scored the only goal of the game to stun the world champions
Saturday, June 16, 2018
Friday, June 15, 2018
David de Gea bemoans lack of support in Spain after costly World Cup mistake against Portugal
The Independent - Football
David de Gea bemoans lack of support in Spain after costly World Cup mistake against Portugal
The Spain goalkeeper's error at the end of the first half proved costly in a thrilling draw
2018 FIFA World Cup Live: Day 2
Sportsnet.ca
2018 FIFA World Cup Live: Day 2
Day 2 of the 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks off with Group A’s marquee match between Mohamed Salah’s Egypt and South American powerhouse Uruguay.
Follow along here for all the latest from the game.
Thursday, June 14, 2018
2018 World Cup: Winners, losers from Russia’s win over Saudi Arabia
Sportsnet.ca
2018 World Cup: Winners, losers from Russia’s win over Saudi Arabia
Despite widespread pessimism across the nation, Russia opened the 2018 World Cup with a huge 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia in front of a packed Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Thursday.
It was a significant win for the Russians, who boosted their chances of progressing to the round of 16 with the lopsided victory.
Here are some winners and losers from the tournament’s opening game.
WINNERSAlexander Golovin
The Russian attack was unstoppable and Aleksandr Golovin was the main reason.
The 22-year-old attacker scored a delightful free kick and contributed two assists with a pair of wonderful crosses from either flank. Golovin was especially dominant on the left wing in the opening 25 minutes, as he consistently exploited the acres of open space behind the Saudi fullbacks.
Golovin pic.twitter.com/o08YBQU8DE
— Mundo Hinchadas (@MundoHincha) June 14, 2018
However, when Alan Dzagoev exited with an injury, substitute Denis Cheryshev moved to the left and Golovin occupied the No. 10 role. That tactical switch gave him even more creative freedom.
Most impressively, Golovin was astute defensively. He tracked back to create two compact lines to restrict space, completing four tackles and three interceptions in the process.
Aleksandr Golovin (22) vs Saudi Arabia.
Goals: 1
Assists: 2
Key Passes: 5
Duels (won): 21 (7)
Dribbled past: 2
Accurate passes: 25 (71.4%)
Man of the match:
Ladies and Gentlemen Aleksandr Golovin. pic.twitter.com/MrZ1JsUjSv
— SidelineScouted (@SidelineScouted) June 14, 2018
The Russian pressing
That defensive commitment from the attackers exemplified Russia’s tactical game plan. One of the team’s supposed weaknesses entering the World Cup was its defence due to rampant injuries. The centre-back depth was so thin that 38-year-old Sergei Ignashevich had to come out of international retirement.
However, thanks to the Russian’s pressing from the midfield and forwards, Ignashevich and Ilya Kutepov – who only has eight caps for Russia – were barely tested.
Saudi Arabia only completed 73 per cent of their passes and did not have a single shot on target. Russia won an astounding 80 duels, most of them in the middle third or final third. Those recoveries eventually led to the hosts’ first four goals.
It will be a much stiffer test against a taller side like Uruguay, who can beat that press with a more direct style of play. Saudi Arabia is the shortest team at the tournament, so it will be intriguing to see if it pays off against the Uruguayans.
The overall tournament atmosphere
Typically, when the host nation performs well and the fans are optimistic, the tournament benefits as a whole.
That’s why this win was vital for Russia. There was low confidence in the national team due to injuries and coach Stanislav Cherchesov experimenting with his tactics right before the tournament.
Even if Russia does not progress to the knockout stage, a win of this magnitude gives hope to the fans and improves the atmosphere across the host cities.
The FIFA World Cup in Russia runs from June 14 to July 15, and Sportsnet.ca will have in-depth daily coverage.
Juan Antonio Pizzi
Saudi Arabia is a side that, sometimes stubbornly, sticks to its attack-minded ways.
Thursday’s match would have been an ideal time to stray away from that style of play.
It was clear that Juan Antonio Pizzi’s side was disorganized positionally and engulfed by Russia’s intense pressing. The Argentine coach did very little to fix those issues during the game.
Fullbacks Mohammed Al-Burayk and Yasir Al-Shahrani were constantly pushed high up the pitch, which allowed the likes of Golovin, Cheryshev and Aleksandr Samedov to run in behind on the counter.
Additionally, the team was far too narrow and compact, which meant it was easier for the Russians to break up the passing sequences.
Pizzi has now coached 11 games for Saudi Arabia since taking over in Nov. 2017. He’s lost six of those matches, and the team is on a run of four straight defeats. The Argentine has to think of a more conservative approach if the Saudis hope to advance to the knockout stage.
Saudi ball movement
One way to penetrate compact defensive lines is to move into those pockets of space and quick decision-making.
Neither of those traits were present for Saudi Arabia.
Any time a player wanted to pass, no one was showing for it or making a run. For a side that is very technically gifted, it was an alarming trend throughout the game.
The players appeared overawed by the occasion, so perhaps they will be more settled against Uruguay.
Saudi Arabia’s knockout hopes
When a team loses its first match at a World Cup, it usually signifies a group stage exit.
Since the World Cup expanded to 32 teams in 1998, there have been 60 losses for countries in their opening matches. Only seven of those sides advanced to the round of 16.
The fact Saudi Arabia lost by five goals also hurts its goal difference, the first tiebreaker in the group stage. Barring at least a four-point haul and a whack of goals, The Green Falcons might be staring at an early elimination at this World Cup.
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Manchester United forward Anthony Martial wants to leave Old Trafford this summer, confirms agent
The Independent - Football
Manchester United forward Anthony Martial wants to leave Old Trafford this summer, confirms agent
Martial has found himself on the fringes under Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Atletico reaches deal to sign France international Lemar
Sportsnet.ca
Atletico reaches deal to sign France international Lemar
MADRID — Atletico Madrid says it has reached a deal to sign France international Thomas Lemar from Monaco.
Atletico announced Tuesday it has a "preliminary agreement" with Monaco and "both clubs will work" to complete the transfer.
The 22-year-old winger is with France in Russia for the World Cup. He has scored three goals in 12 matches with the national team.
Lemar was a key player for Monaco when it reached the Champions League semifinals in the 2016-17 season.
Atletico won the Europa League this year.
Lukaku on target again as Belgium demolishes Costa Rica
Sportsnet.ca
Lukaku on target again as Belgium demolishes Costa Rica
BRUSSELS — A rampant Romelu Lukaku scored twice and set up a third goal as Belgium closed its World Cup preparations in style by demolishing Costa Rica 4-1 on Monday.
Dries Mertens opened the scoring for the Red Devils before striker Lukaku took his international tally to 36 in 69 matches with a volley and header either side of halftime.
Substitute Michy Batshuayi completed the Belgium scoring in the 64th thanks to a pass from Lukaku.
Eden Hazard tormented Costa Rica with his instant control and darting runs while fellow midfielder Kevin De Bruyne cut through the defence with his trademark incisive passing.
Hazard limped off in the 70th after a couple of tough challenges, but did not appear too badly hurt. Lukaku said after the match Hazard looked fine.
"He got a knock, but that happens to him a lot," Lukaku said of the midfielder who often endures rough treatment from defenders.
The FIFA World Cup in Russia runs from June 14 to July 15, and Sportsnet.ca will have in-depth daily coverage.
Costa Rica, one of the surprise packages of the last World Cup where it reached the quarterfinals, took a surprise lead at King Baudouin Stadium through a Bryan Ruiz volley, but was outclassed for much of the match.
"We shouldn’t have conceded the goal, it can be tough to score at tournaments," Mertens said. "But we’ve proved today that we can play very good football."
The pick of the Belgium goals was Lukaku’s second, early in the second half.
Hazard started the move, fed De Bruyne, who threaded a perfectly weighted pass to Nacer Chadli. The midfielder looked up, saw Lukaku and Mertens in the middle, and chipped a cross toward them. Lukaku leapt in front of Mertens to power a header past Keylor Navas.
Belgium was again without centre back Vincent Kompany, who suffered a groin injury just over a week ago in a warmup against Portugal. Coach Roberto Martinez has given Kompany until the day before Belgium’s opening match in Russia, against Panama next Monday, to prove his fitness.
Belgium also plays Tunisia and England in Group G. England beat Costa Rica 2-0 in another warmup last week.
Costa Rica opens its World Cup campaign against Group E opponent Serbia before matches with Brazil and Switzerland.
Monday, June 11, 2018
FIFA 19 demo: The FIFA 19 demo teams may have just been leaked
Dream Team FC
FIFA 19 demo: The FIFA 19 demo teams may have just been leaked
FIFA 19’s demo teams appear to have been leaked on Twitter.
The image, which has been picked up by some of the game’s most influential YouTubers, reveals there will nine teams playable in the demo – set to land at some point in September.
Although the image has not been verified, it appears the teams set to feature are as follows:
Bayern Munich Juventus PSG Man City Man United Borussia Dortmund Real Madrid Atletico Madrid Tottenham HotspurAmazingly, Dortmund were only just added to the roster after the German team dumped PES and switched allegiances to EA.
It’s not known yet what stadiums will feature, but we’re almost certain there won’t be nine of them.
The demo will likely offer offline play with up to two players – and may include a playable section of The Journey, although no details have been confirmed.
DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP Click here to sign up for this summer’s brilliant fantasy football gameThe big news to come out of E3 was the introduction of the Champions League, after PES and UEFA parted ways earlier in the year.
But there are also a host of new gameplay features and tweaks set to arrive to this year’s game.
Here are the most important.
Neymar was a big part of the FIFA 19 trailer
Sweet spot
If you tap Circle or B just as your foot hits the ball, you massively increase the chance of striking it into the top corner.
It’s all about timing, so get it wrong and you’ll be punished with a scuffed shot.
TacticsGame plans have been introduced this year – which are set up before a match.
Here, you can set what tactics your team has depending on certain situations – such as if they’re 1-0 up or losing a match.
Once you have made the plans, simply assign to a D-pad press and you’re good to go.
Unlike last year, when it was hard to see if a tactical option had been executed, there’s now a clear toggle for on-the-fly instructions.
We’ve seen this before
You’re also now able to adjust your team’s width and depth, as well as instruct your full backs what kind of runs to make in attack or your centre back to cover certain areas of the pitch.
There’s greater control over your team’s defensive style, too – with new settings: “pressure after possession loss,” “constant pressure,” “drop back,” “balanced,” and “pressure on heavy touch.”
Sounds great!
Revised mini-map
A simple but welcome change.
One team will now have triangle icons, the other will have circles – so it’s easier to see who’s who.
Graphics look to have been tweaked and improved
Champions League
EA has got everything from the Champions League logo including the commentary team, Derek Rae and Lee Dixon.
It’ll also have its own mode and the ability to create custom tournaments. Amazing.
Europa LeagueThis was slightly overshadowed by the Champions League announcement, but yes the Europa League will also be in FIFA 19.
Expect the full broadcast package, too.
General gameplay
Passing has been re-worked to feel more natural, while a active touch system allows better first touches from different parts of the body.
It also opens up the possibility of a feint attack – where, as the ball approaches, you can shift your weight one way, before going the other.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be on the cover of FIFA 19
Stepovers, too, are reportedly easier to pull off and look more convincing – making it harder for your opponent to defend against.
Finally, 50/50 battles over a loose ball will now take into account more variables than last year – such as reaction time.
NOW CHECK OUT THE FIFA 19 TRAILER BELOW.
DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP Sign up to this summer’s brilliant game below