just sharing my two cents worth on how important is defending.
football is not just about scoring goals. and i think many agree that it is pointless to score 10 goals but concede 11.

here're some of my thoughts:

Rules of Thumb
- if the opposition can't score, they can't win.
- if the defense is too committed to excessive overlapping and lack in concentration, your wingers/midfielders will waste more energy falling back.
- if your non-defensive players are distracted, attacking opportunities are compromised.
- it is naturally more tiring if you keep conceding silly goals
- you cannot go into a game with 11 strikers. thus, if you're playing a defender role, stick to your it; tackle and distribute. let your midfielders and strikers do their job.

Channel an attacker
playing a defensive role is not entirely about taking ball away from your opponent.
most of the time, you just need to easily channel them into the "right" place and they will "tackle" themselves.
how do you do that?
1. Move the attacker away from the goal
2. Move the attacker towards the sideline
3. Move the attacker to play to weak foot
4. Move the attacker into a teammate (supporting defender)
5. Move the attacker away from their support

lastly, defending job is not restricted to only defenders and only in the defensive zone. i will share a little more this some other time.

meanwhile, here's a youtube of Sami Hyypia sharing some defensive tips: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmtnjA3svrk

do share with the rest of the guys if you have other insights.

Great tips! Tnx bro.
In fact, I start playing as a defender / midfield only when I join Beatles. Lao liao, no stamina to play striker position. :p
Anyway, its realli fun to play in Beatles. Cheers!