What Is First Team to Score?
In First Team to Score, you bet on which team scores the first goal during normal match time (90 minutes plus added time).
Most bookmakers offer three possible selections:
- Home Team to Score First
- Away Team to Score First
- No Goal (sometimes called 0–0 or No Team to Score)
How the Market Is Settled
- The bet is settled as soon as the first goal is scored
- Only goals that count (official goals awarded by the referee/VAR)
- Goals in injury time count
- Extra time and penalties do not count
- Own goals count for the team credited with the goal
Possible Outcomes Explained
1. Home Team to Score First
You win if the home team scores the first goal, regardless of the final result.
Home scores first → Bet wins
Away scores first → Bet loses
Match ends 0–0 → Bet loses
2. Away Team to Score First
You win if the away team scores the opening goal.
Away scores first → Bet wins
Home scores first → Bet loses
Match ends 0–0 → Bet loses
3. No Goal (0–0)
You win only if no goals are scored at all.
Match ends 0–0 → Bet wins
Any goal scored → Bet loses
Practical Match Examples
Example 1
Match: Arsenal vs Chelsea
Bet: Arsenal – First Team to Score
- 15th minute: Arsenal scores → Win
- 10th minute: Chelsea scores → Loss
- Match ends 0–0 → Loss
Example 2
Match: Napoli vs Juventus
Bet: Away Team to Score First (Juventus)
- Juventus scores in 8th minute → Win
- Napoli scores in 22nd minute → Loss
Example 3
Match: Getafe vs Cádiz
Bet: No Goal
- Match ends 0–0 → Win
- Any goal scored → Loss
First Team to Score vs First Goal Scorer
| Market | Meaning |
|---|---|
| First Team to Score | Which team scores first |
| First Goal Scorer | Which player scores first |
FTTS is less risky than player goal scorer bets.
When Is First Team to Score a Good Bet?
This market works best when:
- One team starts matches very aggressively
- A team often scores early goals
- There is a clear quality difference
- A defensive team faces a strong attacking side
Key Statistics to Check Before Betting
Before placing a First Team to Score bet, analyze:
- Average time of first goal
- Team scoring in first 15–30 minutes
- Recent head-to-head first goals
- Home vs away starting intensity
- Missing defenders or goalkeepers
- Tactical approach (high press vs low block)
First Team to Score Betting Tips
1. Focus on Early Scorers
Teams that score early in matches are ideal for this market.
Example:
- Manchester City
- Bayern Munich
- PSG
2. Avoid High-Risk Derby Matches
Derbies and rivalry games often start cautiously, increasing the chance of late goals or 0–0 halves.
3. Combine With Other Markets
You can combine FTTS with:
- Match winner
- Over/Under goals
- Correct score (advanced players)
Example:
- First Team to Score + Match Win
4. Consider Live Betting
Live FTTS can be profitable if:
- One team dominates early chances
- High possession and shots on target
- Opponent struggles defensively
5. Be Careful With “No Goal”
“No Goal” offers high odds but is risky. Best used in:
- Defensive leagues
- Relegation battles
- Teams with poor finishing
Advantages of First Team to Score
Easy to understand
Quick settlement
Good for live betting
Works well with statistics
Available on most bookmakers
Disadvantages
One moment can decide the bet
Red cards can change dynamics
VAR decisions can overturn goals
Final Thoughts
First Team to Score is a straightforward and exciting football betting market that rewards good research and match reading. By focusing on early-scoring teams, avoiding unpredictable fixtures, and using live betting wisely, you can improve your success rate.
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