The player controls an international football team who has failed to perform adequately in the 1986 FIFA World Cup and must qualify for the 1990 FIFA World Cup through the 1988 European Championships. Instead of a transfer market, the player is given a choice between 100 eligible football players and must choose from 22 of them. The matches are presented in the running commentary style of sports announcing with a small graphic depicting where the ball is. Players must qualify for the 1988 UEFA European Football Championships in West Germany.