Live betting (in-play betting) on the FIFA World Cup offers exceptional value especially at these top sportsbooks.
Live betting creates betting opportunities with constantly fluctuating odds, that when combined with a successful soccer betting strategy yields great results.
Live Betting Strategies
Research is key.
When live betting on the France vs Morocco match at either Sportsbet, Cloudbet, Stake or Nitrobetting you need to have done some research in order to anticipate and predict likely outcomes and then capitalize on the live betting odds.
Naturally, how the match plays out in real time is also important as it gives you an indication of when to place your bet.
Combing statistical information with live information provides substantially more insight than just betting on the favorite.
Watching the live match also reveals critical data about player fitness, body language tactics, etc. that the stats simply can’t reveal.
Betting Windows (when to bet)
Statistical analysis has revealed that most of the goals scored in the previous FIFA World Cups (2010, 2014, and 2018) were scored in the second half during open play (not from free kicks, penalties or corners).
Data indicates that 63% of goals in the 2018 World Cup were scored in the second half during:
- Minute 45-60 – (28% of goals)
- Minute 61-75 – (16% of goals)
- Minute 75-90 – (19% of goals)
These stats offer insight into behavior that can aid a betting strategy which targets specific live betting windows such:
Halftime bets
Placing a live bet during halftime gives you an added advantage in that you can assess the first half’s performance and gain insight into what will likely change in the second half.
You’ll also have time to evaluate which markets might be profitable, such as betting on the total goals as stats indicate that more goals are scored in the second half.
55th-minute bets
Placing a live bet after the first 10 minutes of the second half gives you time to assess whether a manager’s halftime strategy and tactical adjustments will have an effect on the remainder of the match.
As stated above 28% of FIFA World Cup goals were scored in the first 15 minutes of the second half.
Another key point to remember: This is the ideal time to place a live bet, as the next round of substitutions will suspend live betting and possibly shorten the odds.
75th-minute bets
The second highest scoring period is the last 15 minutes of the match.
Stats indicate that this is when a team will also field their second and third rounds of substitutions, with fresh legs making or breaking a match.
A leading team’s manager will usually opt for defensive reinforcements to protect their lead while a trailing side’s manager will usually make riskier and more aggressive substitutions.
Substitutions frequently change the match’s dynamics and you can turn a profit if you predict how, it will take place.
For example, if you predict that an attacking substitution will pay off with a goal to the trailing side.
Immediately after goals
Changes in match dynamics such as goals, very often result in a tactical change for one or both teams which inevitably changes games flow.
If the underdog scores the first goal, the favorite’s odds will be lengthened which may offer good value if you bet on them.
However, it’s important to note that 71% of the teams that scored the first goal in their 2018 FIFA World Cup match went on to win.
Total Corners Live Betting
Betting on the total corners is a great market to bet on during the FIFA World Cup, especially if the favorites are losing. For this strategy to be applicable the match has to meet 2 requirements:
- The favorites need to apply high pressure and must score.
- The favorites must rely on plenty of crosses from the wings instead of playing in the center looking for through balls.
This often results in a lot of corners. Theoretically, it means you should bet the over in the total corners market.
However, the underdog should be evaluated before placing this live bet as an underdog that retains possession and controls the tempo is less likely to concede corners compared to a team that spends a lot of time defending.
Live Betting Advantages
- Instant results
- The ability to cash out at Sportsbet, Cloudbet and Nitrobetting
- Arb betting and hedging
- A greater chance of finding good value
- More data and stats are available during play