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Are own goals the best new Euro 2024 betting strategy?
Our betting expert explains why backing more own goals to be scored at the Euros should be considered as a potential betting strategy
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Of the 94 goals scored in the first 42 matches at Euro 2024, nine have been own goals. With odds of up to 12/1 available for an own goal in future matches, it suggests the market is worth a closer look.
Not every betting site offers the option to bet on an own goal in a game but those that do include bet365 and William Hill, with the former often offering the best price.
Own goals off the scale
Jan Vertonghen’s unfortunate own goal in the France vs Belgium match on Monday was the ninth of the tournament, with two matches of the round of 16 still to be played, and the second in six games in the knockout rounds.
The European Championship record of 11 own goals in a single tournament, set at Euro 2020, could be passed in Germany.
What is remarkable is that there were just nine own goals across the first 15 European Championship finals, with a 20-year gap between the first in 1976, when just four teams took part, and the second, which came at Euro 96.
Although the number of teams contesting the finals has grown markedly to 24, and there has also been a change in how own goals are credited, that is still a remarkable leap.
France and Portugal ride their luck
No side has yet been unfortunate enough to concede two own goals at this year’s tournament but both France and Portugal have been the beneficiaries of two.
Neither side have been at their best in Germany, with France’s only other goal coming from the penalty spot while Portugal squeezed through their round-of-16 tie against Slovakia on penalties.
France now hold the record for the most own goals by opponents, with the two at this tournament taking their overall tally to five.
They face Portugal in the quarter-finals on Friday so an own goal in that game at 12/1 may appeal.
Selection: Portugal vs France – an own goal to be scored @ 12/1 with bet365
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Spain on an own goal roll
While France have benefited from five own goals at this and past Euros, Spain have been involved in six, including scoring two for their opponents.
That includes one at this tournament when Robin Le Normand was responsible for Georgia’s opening goal in a round-of-16 tie that Spain went on to win 4-1.
There was also an own goal in both of Spain’s knockout matches at Euro 2020 so betting on another in their quarter-final with Germany on Friday may appeal. The hosts scored the first own goal of the Euros when Antonio Rudiger headed into his own net in their 5-1 win over Scotland in the first game.
Selection: Spain vs Germany – an own goal to be scored @ 12/1 with bet365
Odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.
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Euro 2024 own goals so far
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