How to Avoid Conceding in the First 10 Minutes of Matches in eFootball

One of the most frustrating experiences in eFootball is conceding a goal within the first 10 minutes of a match. You’ve barely started, and you’re already playing catch-up. These early goals often come from lapses in concentration, risky passing, or being too aggressive at kickoff.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to avoid conceding in the first 10 minutes of matches in eFootball by focusing on defensive positioning, smart buildup, and tactical awareness.

Table of Contents

Why Early Goals Happen in eFootball

Before preventing them, let’s understand why they occur:

Overconfidence at Kickoff – Players rush forward without covering defensively.
Aggressive Pressing – Leaving open spaces for opponents to exploit.
Sloppy Passing – Misplaced early passes get punished quickly.
Unorganized Defense – Defenders not yet settled or too far apart.
Opponent Exploitation – Many opponents actively target the first 10 minutes to surprise you.

Tip 1: Start the Match Defensively

Instead of pushing forward immediately, play the first few minutes cautiously.

Switch to Defensive mentality from kickoff.
Keep defenders compact with a narrow defensive line.
Avoid risky dribbles with your defenders or holding midfielder.

This approach settles your team and prevents easy openings.

Tip 2: Control the Midfield Early

The midfield acts as your first defensive shield.

Use a defensive midfielder (DMF) with good positioning.
Apply second-man press only when safe, not aggressively.
Force opponents wide rather than letting them cut through the center.

Winning midfield duels early stops attacks before they reach your box.

Tip 3: Avoid Risky Passing in the Back

One of the biggest mistakes is losing the ball near your defense.

Keep passes simple and short in the first 10 minutes.
Don’t force long balls under pressure.
If unsure, clear the ball to reset your shape.

This minimizes unnecessary turnovers that gift goals.

Tip 4: Read Your Opponent’s Kickoff Strategy

Some players spam through balls or sprint immediately after kickoff.

Drop your defenders back a step using manual controls.
Switch to your CB to anticipate runs behind your line.
Stay calm and avoid sliding tackles early.

Awareness of their intent prevents surprise breakthroughs.

Tip 5: Use Proper Formations for Stability

Formations with strong defensive coverage reduce risks early on.

Best early-game safe formations:

4-2-3-1 → Balanced, with two midfield shields.
4-3-3 (Defensive variation) → Wide coverage to block flanks.
3-5-2 → Crowded midfield prevents easy buildup.

Tip 6: Delay Attacks Until You’re Settled

Instead of rushing forward, control tempo:

Hold possession in midfield.
Build attacks slowly, testing opponent’s defense.
Avoid committing fullbacks too early.

By delaying your offensive aggression, you protect against counters.

Tip 7: Mental Discipline is Key

Finally, the early minutes are more about psychology than skill.

Stay calm, don’t panic if pressured.
Expect your opponent to play aggressively early.
Treat the first 10 minutes as a warm-up phase to organize.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Charging your center-backs forward at kickoff.
Overusing sprint with defenders, leaving gaps.
Ignoring defensive midfield roles.
Playing long risky passes under pressure.

Final Thoughts

Conceding early goals is a common issue, but with the right mindset and tactical approach, you can eliminate this weakness. The key is caution, discipline, and structure.

By applying these strategies on how to avoid conceding in the first 10 minutes of matches in eFootball, you’ll start games stronger, frustrate opponents, and set yourself up for more consistent victories.