Goal Number 1 – Own Goal
In Football Sports Betting (Explained With a Team, Examples + Betting Tips)
What This Market Means
“Goal Number 1 – Own Goal” means you are betting that the first goal in the match will be an own goal (a player scores mistakenly against their own team).
If the 1st goal of the match is an own goal, your bet WINS.
If the 1st goal is scored normally by any player, your bet LOSES.
This bet is very rare because own goals don’t happen often.
Explaining With a Team
Let’s use the match:
Chelsea vs Wolves
If you place a bet on:
Goal Number 1 – Own Goal
You are predicting that the first goal in Chelsea vs Wolves will be scored accidentally by a Chelsea player or a Wolves player into their own net.
What must happen for the bet to win?
If a Chelsea defender (e.g., Thiago Silva) mistakenly scores an own goal → Bet wins
If a Wolves defender mistakenly scores an own goal → Bet wins
What makes the bet lose?
If Raheem Sterling scores a normal goal for Chelsea
If Hwang Hee-Chan scores a normal goal for Wolves
If the match ends 0–0
→ Bet loses
Examples
Example 1 (Bet Wins)
Match: Chelsea vs Wolves
1st Goal: Wolves defender Craig Dawson attempts a clearance but scores into his own net.
Result of first goal: Own Goal
Your bet wins on “Goal Number 1 – Own Goal.”
Example 2 (Bet Loses)
Match: Chelsea vs Wolves
1st Goal: Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson scores a normal goal.
Result of first goal: Normal Goal
Your bet loses.
Example 3 (Bet Loses)
Match: Chelsea vs Wolves
Final Score: 0–0
No goal → No own goal
Your bet loses.
When Teams Increase Own Goal Chances
Some teams are more likely to be involved in matches with own goals because of:
1. High defensive pressure
Teams constantly pressed in their box make more mistakes.
2. Many crosses into the box
Teams facing opponents who cross frequently can score own goals via deflections.
Example: Chelsea vs Liverpool
Liverpool crosses a lot; Chelsea defenders under pressure may mis-kick → own goal chance rises.
Betting Tips for “Goal Number 1 – Own Goal”
Only play this market at high odds
Own goals are rare, so the odds are usually very high (10.00+).
Use small stakes.
Look for matches with:
- Teams that defend deep under pressure
- Strong attacking teams with many crosses (Man City, Liverpool, Tottenham)
- Poor defensive teams that panic in the box
Wet or slippery pitch
Bad weather = more mistakes → higher own goal chances.
Ignore big derbies or finals
Teams are more focused and less likely to make silly errors.
Live betting advantage
If a team is being dominated and constantly blocking shots inside their box, you can place an in-play bet—own goal probability rises.
Summary
Goal Number 1 – Own Goal = Bet wins if the first goal scored in the match is an own goal, regardless of which team scores it.
- Own goals are rare → high risk
- Only bet when the match conditions increase the chances
- Small stake recommended due to unpredictability