goalunited gives you multiple ways to influence a match once it has started. All half-time changes are made in the Halftime Instructions tab of the Live Ticker during the first half, and take effect at the start of the second half.
You can make up to 5 substitutions per match:
Substitution Type | Cost |
First 2 substitutions | Free |
3rd, 4th, 5th substitution | GU STARS each |
Injury substitution (automatic) | Free — does not count toward your 2 free subs |
To substitute a player, click the player you want to remove from the pitch, then click the bench player you want to bring on.
If the player you planned to sub off receives a red card in the first half, that substitution is cancelled.
You can only bring on players from the bench; no fresh additions mid-match.
If no suitable bench player is available for a position, the substitution cannot happen.
If the bench empties and a player on the pitch gets injured, the team continues with ten men.
You can also move existing players to different positions on the pitch for the second half, without substituting them. This is useful for shifting formation shape (e.g. pushing an extra attacker forward when chasing a goal).
2 free movements per match.
Additional movements cost GU STARS.
Change tactic - completely free.
Switch marking (man / zonal) - free.
Enable or disable offside trap - free.
Reassign special jobs (captain, free kicks) - free. Always reassign if the original holder is being substituted.
Action cards placed in the live ticker within the first 50 minutes from the start of the match activate at the start of the second half. You can also pre-load one when setting your initial formation.
Card | Effect |
Encourage (Common) | Increases team effort by 25% (max 150%). |
Encourage (Uncommon) | Increases team effort by 50% (max 150%). |
Take It Slow | Reduces energy consumption by 50% in the second half. |
Full Attack | More chances created; higher counterattack risk. |
Full Defence | Reduces opponent chances, but also your own. |
Play for Free Kicks | More free kicks won; higher yellow card risk. |
Get Penalties | Team tries to win penalties; very high risk of a yellow card. |
Midfield Control | Team focuses heavily on the midfield sector. |
After submitting half-time changes, click the Checkout button in the Halftime Instructions tab to review the changes log. It shows:
Every change made (subs, movements, tactics, marking, role reassignments).
Whether each change succeeded or failed (e.g. failed because of a red card).
The GU STARS cost for paid changes.
Changes can also be cancelled from this window, up until the deadline (before the start of the second half).