Dutch pair share first impressions

Earlier this year at FIWC 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Dutch virtual footballers Steven van de Vorst and Jorrick Boshove made an impressive Grand Final debut, finishing in third and fourth place respectively. FIFA.com sat down with the Oranje pair to get their first impressions on EA SPORTS™ FIFA 15 and the FIWC 2015 - the latest edition of the world’s largest gaming tournament.
“For sure one of the most anticipated features for me was the new Goalkeeping A.I. for FIFA 15,” Boshove told FIFA.com. “The goalkeepers move and react much more realistic than before which really adds to the excitement whenever you fire a shot at goal. Also, the new Feel the Game features really give a much more immersive experience. You are really able to feel the highs and the lows of the drama that is football.”
For Steven van de Vorst, however, the main attraection of FIFA 15 is in the short game. “The main difference for me is that ground play has become more important,” he said, “passing has become even more similar to the real thing.”
Ever year, the FIWC attracts over two million gamers, all of whom are looking to secure a place at the Grand Final. Competing with the world’s best can be a daunting task for a novice and the Dutch gamers have valuable advice to get newcomers started in FIWC 2015. “As always EA did a great job regarding the skill games,” said Jorrick Boshove. “The new skill games are not only a lot of fun, but they also let you discover the new features of FIFA 15. So I would definitely check that out first.” Steven van de Vorst’s advice, meanwhile, is all about results. “You must start every online qualification season and reach Division 1,” he said.
A games cap was introduced to qualification for this year's tournament to ensure that quality and not quantity of games are what determines the winners. “I'm actually quite thrilled with the new Cap,” said Boshove. “More than ever it is now possible for all FIFA players to show their skill on the virtual pitch. If you think you've got what it takes, there is now nothing stopping you from becoming the new World Champion in Munich.”
With the new format, strategy will play an important part in qualifying. “Play a maximum of five games a day and don’t play too fast,” is van de Vorst’s advice. “Remember, you need to win all your games with as many goals as possible.”
With every edition of the FIWC, players test out their teams as they look for that winning combination. We asked Steven and Jorrick who they think the most popular teams will be. “For me it’s Real Madrid and Bayern Munich,” said Steven. “For sure Real Madrid and Bayern are going to be used the most,” agreed Jorrick. “Both are very strong in real life and in FIFA.”
Speaking of Germany’s most decorated football club, the city of Munich will host the next Grand Final. The prospect of visiting the home of the current FIFA World Cup champions has delighted gamers. “I'm really thrilled with the announcement the Grand Final will be held in Munich,” Jorrick said. “Of course Munich is the home of Bayern Munich; to be at the Grand Final in a city that breathes football would be incredible.”