Correct score betting boasts attractive odds and makes for a straightforward bet, but it’s more difficult to place a winning bet on the exact full-time score of a FIFA World Cup soccer match than you might think. But it’s definitely possible with some research and planning.
Placing a Correct Score Bet
This popular bet type features long odds that reflect the relatively low probabilities of predicting the correct score.
As you can see for the example below found at Sportsbet, the FIFA World Cup match between Netherlands and Argentina is expected to be low scoring, with Argentina currently the favorites.
The #:# format represents the HOME TEAM SCORE : AWAY TEAM SCORE.
You’ll find that the smallest odds are 7.0 for a 1:1 draw and 7.0 for Argentina to beat the Netherlands 0:1, while the Netherlands to beat Argentina 4:0 have long odds of 101.0.
The example below features Brazil versus South Korea, and the shortest odds favors Brazil to win the match with a score of 2:0.
Stake features an additional correct score bet, the ‘other’ option which carries odds of 8.0, which will win if either team score more than 4 goals.
These bets win if either team scores 5 goals or more which most often occurs when the favorite is expected to outclass the underdog.
In these instances, the odds won’t be all that long, but if both teams are evenly matched (such as Germany’s famous 7-1 win over Brazil) the odds would be significantly longer.
How to Predict the Correct Score
During league matches there’s ordinarily recurring scores that frequently result in winning bets. The most common scores that are seen time and time again are 1-0 and its converse score 0-1.
But the trend has shifted with several FIFA World Cup upsets and high scores affecting the percentage of low-scoring matches. The last 2 FIFA World Cups delivered the following results:
| Score | Percentage of matches |
| 1-2/ 2-1 | 20% |
| 0-2/ 2-0 | 11% |
| 0-0 | 9% |
| 1-1 | 9% |
| 0-3/ 3-0 | 8% |
| 1-3/ 3-1 | 5% |
| Other | 5% |
| 2-2 | 4% |
| 2-3/ 3-2 | 2% |
| 0-4/ 4-0 | 2% |
| 1-4/ 4-1 | 2% |
| 2-4/ 4-2 | 2% |
| 3-4/ 4-3 | 1% |
Correct score prediction broken down into 3 steps
- Assess which team will be the likely winner by consulting the crypto sportsbook’s 1×2 odds for the match.
- Decide whether both teams are likely to score by checking out the both teams to score odds.
- Consider the combined score by looking at the total goals odds.
Based on these 3 pieces of information, you’ll have enough data to predict the correct score and gauge its accompanying odds.
Naturally, doing research ensures that you have a better idea of what to expect from the teams and players.
High-Scoring Matches vs Low-Scoring Matches
By following the above steps can assist you in making the correct score prediction. We’ll illustrate this with an example:
Team A vs Team B
- Analysis indicates that Team A is stronger than Team B and will probably win.
- Both teams are likely to score.
- there will be over 2.5 goals and less than 4.5 goals (there will be either 3 or 4 goals scored) it allows you to narrow down the correct score.
After following the 3 steps you’re left with a couple of possible outcomes which include full-time scores of 2-1 and 3-1.
This process becomes even easier when you anticipate that a match will be low-scoring and that one of the teams is likely to keep a clean sheet (not concede a goal).
Low-scoring matches offer fewer likely permutations and the final score may very well end up to be 0-0,1-0, 0-1 and 1-1.
A team that boasts a clean sheet leaves you with a likely score of 1-0, 2-0, 3-0, or 4-0.
Consider these Variables
When you’re busy researching the upcoming match, be sure to check historical correct score results and look for any discernible trends.
You should also analyze:
- The teams’ current form
- Recent head-to-head results
- Team news including injuries and suspensions
- Defensive and offensive strengths
Hedge your Bets
If you’re confident in your prediction prowess after doing research and you anticipate either of the outcomes below you can hedge your bets:
- a low-scoring win-to-nil
- a draw
- a clean sheet
You’ll have the opportunity of placing up to 4 single bets on the different scores you have identified.
This creates a situation where even if 3 of the 4 bets lose but 1 bet with long odds wins, you’ll still cover your losses and turn a profit.