Playing as a goalkeeper in REMATCH has quickly emerged as one of my favorite experiences. There’s something exhilarating about executing a perfectly timed dive to block a potentially game-changing goal—it’s a sensation that few other roles can match in this remarkable AA game.
I’ve enjoyed the goalkeeper position so much that I wish REMATCH included an option for established field roles instead of automatically rotating players after each goal. Perhaps this feature could be added in the future.
Although you may cover less ground as a goalkeeper, there is still a wealth of knowledge to acquire to truly excel in this pivotal position. Let’s explore some strategies that can enhance your chances of achieving a clean sheet while guarding the net.
Mastering Goalkeeper Controls
To begin, REMATCH provides an introductory tutorial when you first launch the game, including instructions on playing as a goalkeeper.
If you require a refresher or want to understand some nuances that the game might overlook, you’ll find that goalie controls are straightforward. Although the controls menu doesn’t explicitly mention it, step one is adopting your defensive stance by holding L2 (or the equivalent button on your controller).
With L2 held, you can strafe back and forth across the goal line, positioning yourself effectively.Pressing Triangle while maintaining your L2 stance will allow you to dive in the direction indicated by your left stick. Should you press Triangle without moving the thumbstick, you’ll simply jump straight up.
Additionally, you can utilize some stamina for a quick lateral movement by dashing side to side with X while holding L2 for faster repositioning. To tackle or slide for a loose ball, press Circle. Likewise, holding Turbo on L1 can help expedite your sprint when reaching for the ball.
When you secure the ball, you have three options to distribute it to your teammates:
- Holding Square and directing your left stick offers a ground pass toward your desired target.
- Holding R1 while pressing Square will execute a lob pass.
- Aiming your reticle and pressing R2 enables a deep clearance if you need to clear space.
Essential Goalkeeper Tips for Success
While knowing the controls is crucial, understanding core strategies is equally important for success as a goalkeeper. Here are some invaluable tips I’ve compiled based on my experiences in REMATCH and my earlier days as the go-to goalie in schoolyard games.
Stay in the Box and Manage Your Angles
For the majority of your time as a goalkeeper, it’s advisable not to venture too far from the box. Opponents can generate rapid transitions and strike quickly, and being caught out of position can lead to embarrassing conceded goals.
Take your responsibilities seriously and focus on your primary goal: preventing shots on target.Position yourself to defend the net effectively—as opponents approach, shift slightly toward the direction they have the ball. If they’re pushing from the left, lean that way; if they’re central, stay balanced; if they’re to the right, bias toward the right.
This tactic narrows the angles available for opponents, making it increasingly difficult for them to find the net. However, be aware of potential centering passes to teammates lurking at midfield. Be ready to dash with L2 and X to close the gap and prepare to dive as necessary.
Avoid unnecessary dives. Prematurely leaving your feet without securing the ball can leave you out of position for a rebound. Many shots can be thwarted simply by moving into their path, so reserve your dives for when it’s essential.
Be Proactive in Securing Loose Balls
While it’s important to stay mostly within your box as a goalkeeper, you shouldn’t be completely immobile. In REMATCH, opponents may often look to clear the ball from their defensive end, launching it directly toward you.
In such scenarios, you can effectively disrupt a counterattack by getting to the ball first. As a goalkeeper, you possess unlimited stamina, so there’s no need to conserve your energy when sprinting with L1.
Utilize your boost by double-tapping L1 if you need to cover extra ground hastily. When you’re within the box and in possession of the ball, you cannot be challenged by opposing players, so take advantage of this to play aggressively. Remember, once you exit the box with the ball, you lose your ability to handle it, transforming your role into that of a sweeper.
Don’t Be Deceived by Rebound Shots
As you engage with more skilled players, or even those still mastering their aim, you must remain vigilant against rebound shots. This occurs when attackers deliberately aim off the goal’s barrier to create a rebound opportunity, intending to score while you’re out of position.
It’s challenging to prevent this tactic entirely, as predicting when opponents will attempt a rebound takes time and experience with the game. Ultimately, you’ll develop a sense of the net’s dimensions, helping you determine whether an incoming shot poses a legitimate threat.
If a shot veers away from the goal, remain in your position and anticipate where a rebound may land. Since there are no out-of-bounds in REMATCH, purposely misfiring a shot can be a legitimate strategy to confuse the keeper. Your best defense? Stay alert and think critically.
Clear the Ball with Strategy
Perhaps one of the most critical lessons is knowing how to clear the ball intelligently following a save. Making a save only to relinquish possession immediately can be detrimental to your team’s success.
In these situations, I often find a straightforward ground pass or a well-aimed clearance serves best. Consider these options:
- A simple ground pass using Square to an open teammate allows them to progress the play safely.
- A powerful kick with R2 to propel the ball downfield is also effective, just ensure it doesn’t land directly back in the opposing goalkeeper’s hands. Focus on directing the ball towards the sideline or a corner.
As you gain more confidence, you can also experiment with ricocheting passes off walls to reach your teammates, catching opponents off-guard and setting up advantageous plays.
Seize Advantage as a Sweeper in Desperate Situations
While it’s advisable to remain in the goal for approximately 95% of the match, desperation may sometimes necessitate a different strategy.
If you find your team trailing in the final moments of a match and a goal is critical, temporarily adopt the role of a sweeper. This means departing from the box and joining your teammates in the offensive push for a late-game equalizer.
This strategy is akin to the tactic of pulling a goalie in ice hockey—a last-ditch effort when time is against you. When your team regains possession, it’s time to leave the goal and advance for a score.
While this involves risk—allowing the opposing team to potentially score as you position yourself further up the field—the rewards can be just as substantial if your offensive efforts result in tying the game or pushing it to overtime, cementing your status as a team hero.
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