What Is First Goal Method in Football Betting?
First Goal Method is a bet on the type of action that produces the first goal in a football match. If no goal is scored in the match, most bookmakers settle the market as Void or No Goal, depending on the platform.
This market is different from:
- First Goalscorer
- Time of First Goal
- Correct Score
Here, you only care about how the goal happens.
Common First Goal Method Options Explained
Below are the most common First Goal Method selections you’ll find on betting sites:
1. Open Play
You win if the first goal is scored during normal play (excluding set pieces).
Includes:
- Shots from open play
- Rebounds
- Counterattacks
- Individual dribbles
Does NOT include:
- Penalties
- Free kicks
- Corners
Example
Arsenal vs Tottenham
Bukayo Saka scores in the 18th minute from open play.
Winning bet: Open Play
2. Penalty
You win if the first goal comes from a penalty kick.
Example
Barcelona vs Sevilla
Lewandowski scores a penalty in the 12th minute.
Winning bet: Penalty
If a goal is scored before the penalty, the bet loses.
3. Free Kick
The first goal must be scored directly from a free kick.
Example
Inter Milan vs Lazio
Çalhanoğlu scores directly from a free kick in the 25th minute.
Winning bet: Free Kick
If the free kick leads to a rebound or header, it usually counts as Open Play, not Free Kick.
4. Header
You win if the first goal is scored with a header.
Includes:
- Headers from corners
- Headers from crosses
- Headers from free kicks
Example
Liverpool vs West Ham
Virgil van Dijk scores a header from a corner in the 30th minute.
Winning bet: Header
5. Own Goal
You win if the first goal is scored by a defending player into their own net.
Example
Chelsea vs Brighton
A defender deflects the ball into his own goal in the 15th minute.
Winning bet: Own Goal
This option has high odds but happens less frequently.
6. No Goal
You win if no goals are scored for the entire match.
Example
Getafe vs Cadiz
Match ends 0–0.
Winning bet: No Goal
If just one goal is scored, the bet loses.
First Goal Method – Full Match Example
Match: Atletico Madrid vs Real Sociedad
Match Events:
- 22nd minute: Atletico scores from a corner header
Settlements:
- Open Play (goal came from a set piece header)
- Header
- Penalty
- Free Kick
- Own Goal
- No Goal
Why Bet on First Goal Method?
Higher odds than match result markets
Ideal for pre-match analysis
Great for low-scoring or tactical games
Can be combined in accumulators
Perfect for bettors who study team patterns
First Goal Method Betting Tips (Very Important)
1. Analyze Team Playing Style
- Teams that cross often → Header
- Teams that dribble and pass quickly → Open Play
- Physical defenders under pressure → Penalty / Own Goal
2. Check Referee Statistics
Some referees:
- Award many penalties
- Allow aggressive play
High-penalty referees increase Penalty chances.
3. Study Set-Piece Strength
Bet Header or Free Kick if:
- Teams score many goals from corners
- Strong aerial players are starting
- Good free-kick takers are on the pitch
4. Avoid High-Tempo Matches for “No Goal”
“No Goal” works best in:
- Defensive leagues
- Relegation battles
- Derby matches with fear of losing
Avoid attacking leagues like:
- Bundesliga
- Dutch Eredivisie
5. Don’t Overuse Accumulators
First Goal Method is event-based and unpredictable.
Best used as:
- Single bets
- Small doubles
Pros and Cons of First Goal Method Betting
Pros
- High odds
- Many betting options
- Works well with tactical analysis
Cons
- One early goal can ruin the bet
- Requires detailed match knowledge
- Not ideal for casual bettors
Final Thoughts
The First Goal Method market is perfect for bettors who understand football tactics and team behavior. By analyzing playing styles, set-piece strength, and referee trends, you can find strong value where many bettors overlook.
If used correctly, this market can significantly improve your betting edge—especially in leagues and matches you follow closely.
Leave a Reply