If you’re a regular listener to our podcast, then you’ll know that we often speak about the intricacies of betting on sports. One element that we haven’t covered yet is the concept of half time betting in soccer. Essentially, this type of wagering allows you to make a selection at the start of each half and, as the game progresses, that selection turns into a winner or a loser.
To help you understand this unique concept, we’re outlining the mechanics of half time betting in soccer and how it all works. We’ll cover everything from the outright bet to the wagering strategies that are available. Additionally, we’ll dive into the different situations where half time betting might come in handy.
What Is Half Time In Soccer?
It is a common phenomenon in sports to have a short break in the action, which allows the participants to refresh themselves and, hopefully, get back in the game in a more competitive state. This concept of a half in soccer is similar to the half time break in American football or hockey. However, in soccer, there is no such thing as a half time penalty kick or a half time free kick. Instead, the interval is generally used for substitutions, which we’ll get to in a minute. For now, let’s discuss the meaning of half time in soccer.
In soccer, the first half of the game is generally played by two teams of eleven players each. These teams will be competing for the title of league champion. After twenty-five minutes, a halftime break will be announced. At that point, the teams switch sides and play the second half with the objective being to secure the three points for your team.
As soon as the interval is over, the teams will line up for the start of the second half. This is when the real action begins in soccer. The first thing that you’ll want to do is check the results of the first half. If your team won the first half, then congratulations! You’re already half way to securing the three points that you need for the victory!
If, however, your team lost the first half, then you’ll need to regroup and reassess the situation. You’ll have to keep in mind that, while you scored a goal or two, your opponents managed to secure several as well. When it comes to half time betting in soccer, you’ll want to look at how the game is going and, more importantly, how you can improve your gameplay to secure the three points at any cost.
Who Makes The Cut For Half Time In Soccer?
When the ball is placed in the goalkeeper’s hands for the start of the second half, the referee will blow the whistle and the teams will come together for the restart of the game. In soccer, there is no concept of an advantage goal or a quick free kick. The entire team needs to be involved in a potentially game-changing move in order to secure the three points. The restart will consist of a kick-off and then thirty minutes of continuous play. During this time, you can make a selection for the outcome of the second half and, if your pick comes true, you’ll win the bet.
For example, if you chose Barcelona to win the match and they do in fact win the game, then you’ll win the half time bet. Conversely, if you chose Manchester United to win the bet and they do end up winning the game, then you’ll lose the half time bet.
As a general rule in half time betting in soccer, the first selection of the second half will be exactly the same as the first selection of the first half. This is important because if this is not the case, then you’ll create an advantage for the second half by being able to make an educated guess about the direction that the game is going in. For example, if you correctly predicted that Manchester United would win the match and you made a wager on them, then the second half will be played in an advantage for you.
Substitutions In Half Time In Soccer
Before the start of each half, the teams will line up in their respective positions. The game will then proceed with no stoppage time. This means that, once the interval is over, there will be no more changes to the lineup. Going into the interval, both teams will be composed of the eleven players that were on the field at the start.
During the break, the teams will rehydrate and rest, while the managers will discuss the game plan for the second half.
Once the teams are back on the pitch for the second half, the game will continue with no breaks. This is important because it means that the strategy that either side comes up with during the halftime break will be put into practice without any interruption. As a result, you’ll see a better performance from your team as they continue to fight for the three points.
At this point, it’s worth mentioning that, in soccer, there are four distinct situations where a player might come off the pitch for treatment or to have a rest: