You're not the only one who sucks at the first game, chirs3. Seriously, the team *really* sucks. Still, as you play it more, and add better players, it gets better. Besides, each opposing team usually as some unique weakness.
Sidenote: The Luca Goers are the most gay bishonen I've ever seen in a game! And, for anyone wondering, bishonen is "pretty boys"..which usually fits the description of most FF guys.