1st Half Over/Under Goals is one of the most popular football betting markets among punters who like to focus on early match action. This betting option allows you to predict how many goals will be scored in the first 45 minutes (first half) of a football match — without worrying about who wins or loses.
In this guide, we’ll explain how the 1st Half Over/Under Goals market works, give real match examples, and share expert betting tips to help you make smarter predictions.
What Does 1st Half Over/Under Goals Mean?
The 1st Half Over/Under Goals market lets you bet on whether the total number of goals scored in the first half onlywill be over or under a specific line set by the bookmaker (e.g., 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, etc.).
Example:
Let’s use a match between Arsenal vs. Manchester United.
If you bet:
- 1st Half Over 1.5 Goals, you’re predicting that 2 or more goals will be scored in the first half.
- 1st Half Under 1.5 Goals, you’re predicting that 0 or 1 goal will be scored in the first half.
This bet only counts goals scored before halftime (45:00 + injury time) — goals in the second half don’t matter.
Popular 1st Half Over/Under Lines Explained
| Bet Type | What It Means | When You Win | When You Lose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Half Over 0.5 | At least 1 goal in 1st half | 1+ goals scored | 0 goals |
| 1st Half Over 1.5 | 2+ goals in 1st half | 2 or more goals | 0 or 1 goal |
| 1st Half Over 2.5 | 3+ goals in 1st half | 3 or more goals | 0, 1, or 2 goals |
| 1st Half Under 0.5 | No goals in 1st half | 0 goals | 1+ goals |
| 1st Half Under 1.5 | 0 or 1 goal in 1st half | 0 or 1 goal | 2+ goals |
Real Match Example
Example Match: Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur
- Your Bet: 1st Half Over 1.5 Goals
- Result at Halftime: Liverpool 2 – 1 Tottenham
Your bet wins because 3 goals were scored in the first half (over 1.5).
If the score had been Liverpool 1 – 0 Tottenham, your bet would lose because only 1 goal was scored (under 1.5).
Betting Tips for 1st Half Over/Under Goals
1. Analyze Team Playing Style
- Teams that play attacking football like Manchester City, Liverpool, or Real Madrid tend to score early goals.
- Defensive teams like Burnley or Atletico Madrid often have slow first halves.
2. Check Recent First-Half Stats
- Look at the average number of first-half goals scored and conceded by each team in recent matches.
- Websites like FlashScore or SoccerStats provide this data.
3. Consider Match Importance
- In big games or finals, teams often start cautiously, leading to fewer early goals.
- In less important or league matches, teams may attack freely, increasing early scoring chances.
4. Weather and Pitch Conditions
- Poor weather (rain, snow, wind) can slow down first-half tempo.
- Fast, dry pitches usually favor early goal action.
5. Live Betting Advantage
- If a match starts with high pressure or early chances, consider a live bet on “Over 0.5 Goals in 1st Half” before the odds drop.
1st Half Over/Under Betting Strategy Example
Let’s use Bayern Munich as a team example:
- In their last 5 Bundesliga games, Bayern scored 7 first-half goals and conceded 3.
- Average first-half goals: 2.0 per game
This suggests betting on 1st Half Over 1.5 Goals could be profitable in Bayern Munich matches — especially against teams that play open attacking football like Borussia Dortmund.
Key Takeaways
- 1st Half Over/Under Goals focuses only on the first 45 minutes of a football match.
- You’re betting on the total goals, not which team scores.
- Over = more goals than the line, Under = fewer goals than the line.
- Analyze stats, team tactics, and match conditions for better predictions.
Final Betting Tip
If you prefer quick results and less waiting, 1st Half Over/Under Goals betting is perfect. Always check team form, early goal patterns, and lineup news before placing your bet.