How to Avoid Conceding Goals From Crosses in eFootball

Conceding from crosses is one of the most frustrating experiences in eFootball. Whether it’s a perfectly timed header, a back-post tap-in, or an unstoppable aerial duel, wide deliveries remain one of the easiest ways for opponents to score. Many players struggle to defend crosses because they focus too much on central defense and forget about width.

In this article, we’ll break down how to avoid conceding goals from crosses in eFootball with practical tips on defensive positioning, marking, formations, and advanced tricks to neutralize this common threat.

Table of Contents

Why Crosses Are So Effective in eFootball

Before learning to defend them, you need to understand why crosses work:

AI Defenders Struggle – Computer-controlled defenders often fail to track runners properly.
Aerial Specialists Dominate – Players like Haaland, Klose, or Drogba win most headers.
Quick Wing Play – Opponents exploit pacey wingers to deliver early or low-driven crosses.
Back-Post Exploits – The back post is often left unmarked, creating easy tap-ins.

Tip 1: Stop the Cross at the Source

The first line of defense is the winger.

Always pressure the opponent’s wide players.
Use your fullbacks aggressively to block early crosses.
Apply second man press with midfielders to double-team wingers.

Cutting off the delivery is easier than dealing with the cross itself.

Tip 2: Position Center-Backs Properly

When defending crosses, positioning is everything.

Keep your CBs closer to the penalty spot than the goal line.
Switch manually to your defenders rather than relying on AI.
Anticipate the opponent’s target (front post, back post, or center).

Well-placed CBs drastically reduce the success rate of aerial attacks.

Tip 3: Use Tall & Strong Defenders

Certain defenders naturally dominate in the air.

Prioritize CBs with high Heading and Jumping stats.
Players like Van Dijk, Vidic, and Puyol are excellent choices.
Pair one tall CB with a quicker CB for balance.

This makes it harder for strikers to win headers cleanly.

Tip 4: Control Your Goalkeeper

Your goalkeeper can be the ultimate weapon against crosses.

Use manual GK movement to claim lofted balls.
For low crosses, rush out quickly to cut off angles.
Goalkeepers with strong Aerial Reach (like Courtois) are best suited.

Tip 5: Track Back-Post Runners

The most common way to concede is by ignoring the back post.

Always assign your fullback or winger to track runs.
Manually switch to defenders to mark the far side.
Stay alert when opponents spam lofted crosses to the back.

Tip 6: Use the Right Formations

Some formations naturally defend crosses better.

4-2-3-1 – Two holding midfielders add defensive cover.
3-5-2 – Three CBs handle aerial duels effectively.
4-3-3 (Defensive) – Balanced width and CB protection.

Avoid narrow setups like 4-1-2-1-2 Diamond, which leaves flanks too open.

Tip 7: Recognize Cross Types

In eFootball, different cross types require different responses:

Lofted Crosses → Position CBs and contest headers.
Driven Crosses → Cover the near post with quick reactions.
Low Crosses → Defend with anticipation, clear with interceptions.

Learning to identify the type of cross helps you react correctly.

Tip 8: Stay Composed Under Pressure

Panicking leads to mistakes.

Avoid unnecessary sliding tackles inside the box.
Clear the ball safely rather than forcing risky passes.
Stay calm and anticipate the opponent’s pattern of play.

Final Thoughts

Conceding from crosses is avoidable with the right preparation and awareness. By pressuring wingers, positioning defenders, using strong aerial players, and tracking back-post runs, you can shut down one of the most common attacking methods in eFootball.

Mastering how to avoid conceding goals from crosses in eFootball not only improves your defense but also frustrates opponents who rely on predictable wide play.