I have been playing FIFA 11 over Xbox live with some friends (gamertag: chivacongelado). I was struck by how accurate the simulation is nowadays.  Trying to dribble or sprint your way around a defense definitely doesn’t work anymore, and you need to be well aware of the tactical advantages and disadvantages of playing a 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-1-1, to give an example. At least with the people I’ve been playing online, possession football seems to be your best bet. This style is both close to my heart and the way Spain won the World Cup in the summer, which makes me wonder whether it influenced the development of the game.

I never thought I needed to read Zonal Marking to play a video game, but at least I really enjoy the experience.