Goal Number 1 – Header (Explained)
This betting market simply means the first goal scored in the match must be a header.
It does not matter which team scores the goal — as long as the first goal is scored with the head, the bet wins.
If the first goal is scored with the foot, penalty, free-kick, own goal, or any method that is not a header, the bet loses.
Team Example: Liverpool
Let’s use Liverpool in a match against Chelsea.
Example 1 (Bet Wins)
Match: Liverpool vs Chelsea
- 1st Goal:
- Scorer: Darwin Núñez (Liverpool)
- Method: Header from a corner in the 22nd minute
Outcome:
Bet Wins — because Goal Number 1 was a header
Even if Chelsea scores later with the foot, it does not matter.
Only the first goal method counts.
Example 2 (Bet Loses)
Match: Liverpool vs Chelsea
- 1st Goal:
- Scorer: Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
- Method: Left-footed shot
Even if later:
- Virgil van Dijk scores a header,
it does NOT matter.
Outcome:
Bet Loses — because the first goal was not a header.
Example Scorelines to Illustrate
Winning Scenarios
| Scoreline | First Goal Scorer | Method | Bet Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool 1–0 Chelsea | Núñez | Header | Win |
| Liverpool 1–2 Chelsea | Van Dijk | Header | Win |
| Liverpool 2–1 Chelsea | Chelsea player | Header | Win |
As long as the first goal = header → bet wins
Losing Scenarios
| Scoreline | First Goal Scorer | Method | Bet Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool 0–1 Chelsea | Palmer | Shot | Lose |
| Liverpool 2–0 Chelsea | Diaz | Penalty | Lose |
| Liverpool 3–2 Chelsea | Own goal | Foot | Lose |
If first goal is NOT a header → bet loses.
Why Bookies Offer This Market
Because:
- Not many goals in football are scored by headers
- Headers mostly happen from crosses, corners, or free kicks
Because of this, odds are usually high, making it a risky but valuable betting option.
Betting Tips for “Goal Number 1 – Header”
1. Pick Teams Strong in Aerial Plays
Look for teams that score many goals from headers:
- Liverpool
- Real Madrid
- Atlético Madrid
- Tottenham
- Napoli
2. Focus on Matches With Good Crossers
Teams that use wingers and full-backs who cross a lot increase header chances.
Examples:
- Liverpool: Robertson, Trent
- Real Madrid: Rodrygo, Valverde
3. Tall Strikers = More Header Chances
If a team starts:
- Haaland
- Giroud
- Núñez
- Weghorst
- Morata
This increases the chance of a header being scored early.
4. Corner & Set-Piece Strength
Teams dangerous on corners are good picks:
- Strong center-backs (Van Dijk, Rudiger, Maguire)
- Good set-piece takers (Trent, Kimmich, Maddison)
5. Avoid Teams That Play Low-Cross or Tiki-Taka Style
Such teams rarely score from headers:
- Barcelona
- Manchester City
- Spain national team
6. Weather Can Help
Rain or windy conditions often lead to more aerial balls and defensive errors → header chances increase.
Summary
- Goal Number 1 – Header = the first goal of the match must be a header.
- Doesn’t matter which team scores.
- High odds, medium–high risk.
- Best used with teams known for crosses and aerial dominance.