“Excluded Number of Goals – First Half” in Football Sports Betting – Explained

The “Excluded Number of Goals – First Half” market in football betting means you’re betting on any total number of goals scored in the first half, except a specific number that is excluded.

So, the bookmaker removes (excludes) one particular number of goals from the options — and your bet wins as long as the first half doesn’t end with that excluded number of goals.

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How It Works

You’ll typically see options like:

• Excluded Number of Goals (1st Half) – Exclude 0
• Excluded Number of Goals (1st Half) – Exclude 1
• Excluded Number of Goals (1st Half) – Exclude 2

Each option means:

• If you choose Exclude 0, your bet loses if the first half ends 0–0, but wins for 1 goal or more.
• If you choose Exclude 1, your bet loses if exactly 1 goal is scored in the first half, but wins for 0 or 2+ goals.
• If you choose Exclude 2, your bet loses if exactly 2 goals are scored in the first half, but wins for 0, 1, or 3+ goals.

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Example:

Let’s use a match between Manchester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur.

You place a bet on:

Excluded Number of Goals (1st Half) – Exclude 1

Possible Outcomes:

First Half Score	Total Goals	Bet Result
0–0	0	Win
1–0	1	Lose
2–0	2	Win
1–1	2	Win
2–1	3	Win

You win if the first half has 0, 2, or more goals.
You lose if the first half has exactly 1 goal.

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Betting Tips

1. Check Team Trends
   • Look at the teams’ first-half scoring patterns.
     Example: If Manchester City often scores early and their matches have multiple first-half goals, betting on Exclude 0 or Exclude 1 might be safer.
2. Use for Unpredictable Games
   • This market is great when you expect goals but aren’t sure of the exact number — it gives you a safety cushion.
3. Weather and Line-ups Matter
   • If a star striker is missing or weather conditions are poor, there’s a higher chance of a low-scoring first half — maybe avoid excluding 0.
4. Combine with Live Betting
   • If the first 15 minutes have few attacks, you can bet on Exclude 2 (expecting fewer than 2 goals) at better odds.
5. Stats to Watch
   • Average first-half goals per team.
   • Recent head-to-head first-half results.
   • Match importance (cup finals or derbies may start cautiously).

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Another Example:

Liverpool vs. Chelsea

You bet: Excluded Number of Goals (1st Half) – Exclude 0

Result Scenarios:

• First half ends 0–0 → Lose
• First half ends 1–0 → Win
• First half ends 2–1 → Win
• First half ends 3–0 → Win

Here, you’re betting that at least one goal will be scored before halftime.

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Summary Table

Bet Type	You Lose If	You Win If
Exclude 0	0 goals in 1st half	1 or more goals
Exclude 1	Exactly 1 goal	0 or 2+ goals
Exclude 2	Exactly 2 goals	0, 1, or 3+ goals
Exclude 3	Exactly 3 goals	0, 1, 2, or 4+ goals

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Final Betting Tip

Use this market when you expect some scoring variation but want to avoid predicting an exact number. It’s a strategic and flexible option — especially useful in matches with unpredictable first-half performances.