Players could manually adjust the strictness of the match referee, opting for a highly penalized tactical game or a brutal, no-nonsense tackle fest. 🏆 Presentation and World Cup Atmosphere
Scissor kicks, diving headers, and acrobatic bicycle kicks were expanded heavily, making aerial crosses much more lethal than in previous iterations.
Elite players (like Brazil's Ronaldo) were given special distinction. Taking a shot with a star player triggered a glowing "fireball" effect on the ball, resulting in incredibly fast, powerful shots that added a distinct arcade charm.
EA Sports pulled out all the stops to make the game feel like a living broadcast of the active international tournament.