There are several different ways to cross the ball in FIFA 08. Each can be effective if used properly. However, too often gamers tend to use just the standard high cross into the box, which will result in some goals, but not as many as can be scored if using all the cross techniques. The ground cross is new in FIFA 08, and can be very effective.
Most teams have big, physical, slower central defenders. Typically, strikers are a bit quicker, and often smaller players. When building up attack, often times the winger gets the ball before the defense is totally set in the box. A high cross simply gives the big central defenders more time to get under the ball, and takes advantage of their size. Learning how to utilize the striker's quickness with the ground cross can result in more goals.
Quick Setup
Step 1 - Get the ball to the wing
Step 2 - Tap the cross button three times quickly while pointing the left analog stick toward the middle of the penalty box. (PS3 - square / 360 - X)
Play Breakdown
This play breakdown pits national sides England versus France. In the images above, notice that England has got the ball to the outside, and the French defenders are near the top of the penalty box. The key to the ground cross is that it's a technique that should be used before the defense is totally set. Often this is the result of a counter attack. In the image to the right you can see that there are three French defenders to guard the two English strikers.
The English player is now sending the ground cross into the box in the image to the left. Notice that neither striker looks to be open here. The key to this play is knowing how the defense is going to react to this cross. Hargraves, the English midfielder, is going to lead the striker and let him beat the defender by running on to the ball. The cross needs to be far enough away from the keeper so he doesn't come out to pick up the ball. In the image to the right the ball is halfway to the Rooney, the striker on the back post.
Here is a great view of how much separation the striker gets from the defender. In this example we're playing against a live opponent. When the ground cross comes in, the player tries to click on the defender to chase Rooney, but the split second lost while changing defenders was just enough to allow the striker to gain several yards separation. Even the best gamers will be behind this play.
Rooney beats the keeper easily. In this example, it would have been far more difficult to try a high cross, because of the size and strength of the defense. In addition, a high cross would have taken longer to reach the penalty box, which would allow for more time for the defense to get into position to knock the ball away.
Final Thoughts
The ground cross can be a great way to increase your scoring average. The key is working on the timing, and knowing when to cross the ball on the ground, and when to cross the ball high. The best method I've found for practicing techniques like this is to take two controllers and go into a game against yourself. Keep passing the ball to the outside midfielder and practice different crossing techniques. Perfect the ground cross and you're going to be tough to beat.
