Anyone got any tips/cheats/game play to make me beat some friends I always loose to. Biggest problem is finishing: after some hard build up work, my shots always hit the keeper or I chip over the bar...

I only have Fifa2003, but what you need to do, is pass a lot in the game, take as many shots in a game as you can, like anywhere around the 18, and maybe trying passing across the net and taking 1 timers, they are next to impossible to stop if done right. Post again if you want some more tips, I can try to help. =)

Me and my pals have a regular pro evo night and I used to get beaten regularly at first. There are a few tips I would give. First the shot power is very sensitive - to make sure you don't blaze your shots high try and only hit square with the quickest tap to shoot when you are inside the box. Also as you are shooting press the cursor left or right to avoid kicking straight at the keeper.

For overall game play try and vary your attacks. Mix it up between long balls, wing play, through balls from your midfield to your forwards to run onto (triangle button). Also occasionally be as direct as possible, running at the defence using the R2 buttle to dribble past challenges and get through on goal. Good luck.