[Luxz0rz]

Generally, Fifa 09 isn't like Fifa 03 (cross goals galore), its not easy, but not impossible either.

The best set up for the cross is widely known to be semi assisted. Assisted doesn't allow you to put the ball where you intend to, and neither does manual. Semi seems to get the right mix of both.

Depending on your formation and tactics, many different crosses are successful. My advice is, don't stick to one thing, you need to look at the situation, and see whats best.

Where from? I've learnt that, there really isn't any "golden spot", you can cross from anywhere and score. I've blasted free kicks in from the half way line and got a head on it into the goal. Most of the time if I am on the wings it is because I am counter attacking, usually I prefer play through the middle, or I choose to cut in, but sometimes you have lots of room, and you see that player running into the box, and you know that he can put it in the net. I usually try this kind of cross quite far from the goal line, usually before the penalty box, and float it in at a "diagonally forward" angle onto the strikers head and slot it in. Just try and get the power reasonablly right, and with some luck (and semi assistance) you will plant it. The hardest part is slotting it in, alot of the time you can over power headers, but if a player is far out (edge of the box) don't be afraid to head it hard, you might just put it in.

Defensive wise, the first thing you want to do is stop the cross, or atleast limit his options. You need to put alot of pressure under the winger, and try not to commit to anything naively, if you get skinned then he might have a free run on goal, or a chance to pass an easy ball in. You want to track the winger, and make him sweat, until you get in the position where he has no other option to cross, and you pounce. Remember though, you don't want to slide in and foul him. If he gets onto the cross, the goal will stand, if he doesn't, the ball will go back, so its a no win situation.

If the ball manages to get in, you need to make sure you have selected the right defender to handle the situation. If its from a corner, you have lots of time to find your tallest or best headers of the ball, and get them into a position where they could go for a wide variety of crosses. You also need to jostle a bit, or you will get pushed off the ball. To clear it, you probably want to use the square button (or the xbox equivalent), but try not to be clumsy and slide anyone by accident!. You also want to head it out wide, and make sure its got some power on it. If you head it straight out, they have a good chance to try a long shot.