Thanks all for your quick responses. If its any help this is what it says in the PS2 manual and this does describe the problem i'm having
Problems connecting to other players in online games of FIFA 2004
If you are having trouble connecting to other players (but can get into the game lobby) your ps2 is probably behind a firewall or router. Remember, if you are sharing your internet connection using Windows XP Internet Connection Sharing your windows XP PC is acting as a router. If you are using a dedicated ADSL modem this may also be acting as a router.
Fifa 2004 requires the following ports to be open on your firewall ( both inbound and outbound)
- TCP 13505
- TCP from 10400 to 10499
- UDP 3658/3659
- UDP 6000/6001
Also if your ps2 is behind a router you must forward the following ports to your ps2 IP address or place your ps2 in a DMZ
- UDP 3658/3659
- UDP 6000/6001
Please consult your router/modem documentation for advice on configuring your connection or visit our support centre for more advice