Under 2.0 Goals in Football Betting: What Does “Under 2” Mean?

Football betting has many markets to suit different strategies and tastes.

One of the most popular among those who like low scoring matches is the “under 2.0” bet.

But what does this mean and how can you use it in your betting strategy?

In this article we will go deep into the under 2 meaning and explore strategies for under 2 goals betting.

 

What is Under 2?

At its simplest, betting on “under 2.0” means you are predicting fewer than 2 goals will be scored in a football match.

This is a low scoring market for matches where defensive tactics or weather conditions will limit goal scoring opportunities.

But under 2 means more than just fewer than 2 goals.

Its exact meaning is as follows:-

  • If a match ends with two goals scored, your bet is a push. In this case your stake is refunded as neither the over nor under bet has won.
  • If the match finishes 0-0, 1-0 or 0-1 your bet wins.
  • If 3 or more goals are scored your bet loses.

Here is a table summarising how the under 2.0 bet works: 

Match Outcome Under 2.0 Bet Result
0-0, 1-0 or 0-1 Win
2-0, 0-2, 1-1 Push (stake returned)
2-1, 3-0, 3-1, etc Loss

So it’s pretty straightforward – ultimately you are hoping for one goal or less to be scored if backing under 2.0 goals, but if there are two goals you get your money back.

 

Real-Life Examples of Under 2.0 goals

Let’s say there’s a Premier League match between Liverpool and Man City.

If you bet on “under 2” and the score is 1-0, you win your bet.

But if the score is 2-0 or 1-1 your stake is refunded – referred to as a “push.” 

The under 2.0 goals bet is often used in matches where both teams play defensive football and don’t tend to concede – or score – many goals.

 

Under 2.0 vs Under 2.5

One of the common mistakes among newbies is the difference between under 2.0 goals and under 2.5 goals.

The main difference is that with under 2.5 goals you can win if the match ends with two goals, while under 2.0 goals means if the match ends with two goals your bet is a push.

Here is the difference between the two in table format:

Criteria Under 2.0 Goals Under 2.5 Goals
Winning Outcome 0-0, 1-0, or 0-1 0-0, 1-0, 0-1, 2-0, 0-2, 1-1
Push (stake returned) 2-0, 0-2, 1-1 N/A
Losing Outcome 1-2, 3-0, 2-1, etc 2-1, 3-0, 1-2, etc

So the under 2.5 goals is a safer option in that it pays as a winner if the match ends 2-0, 0-2 or 1-1 for example, but the odds will be lower on under 2.5 goals to reflect that. 

 

Typical Odds for Under 2.0 Goals Bet

The odds for an under 2.0 goals bet will typically be at odds-against. 

For example, in a match between England and Greece, the odds for under 2.0 goals is 3.0 (odds from the Betfair Exchange by clicking on the “Goal Lines” market and using the arrows to navigate up and down).

That compares to odds of 1.97 for under 2.5 goals and odds of 4.1 for the under 1.5 goals.

So in summary for the England v Greece match that’s:

  • Under 1.5 goals: 4.1
  • Under 2.0 goals: 3.0
  • Under 2.5 goals: 1.97

 

Get free tips from pro tipsters here.

 

Under 2.0 Goals Mechanics

Understanding how under 2.0 goals betting works from a technical standpoint is key to making informed decisions and improving your chances of success.

Let’s break down how this type of bet functions and how bookmakers calculate the odds.

How Bookmakers Set Odds for Under 2 Goals

The odds for under 2.0 goals are set based on many factors like goal expectancy in football matches, team form and tactics.

For example bookmakers will look at whether teams are defensively minded, their recent head-to-head results or if the weather will affect scoring.

Teams with strong defences or poor attacking form will have lower odds for under 2.0 goals.

Push Scenarios in Under 2

As we mentioned earlier a push occurs if the match ends with two goals.

For many this is a safety net as you won’t lose your stake.

Push scenarios in sports betting are common and understanding them can help you make better decisions when choosing your bet types.

 

Strategies for Under 2.0 Goals Betting

To consistently profit from under 2.0 goals betting, it’s important to employ well-thought-out strategies.

Let’s look at some specific strategies for betting on under 2.0 goals now. 

Scoring Stats

Ultimately what you’re looking for is matches which have a good chance of being low scoring and teams who tend to be involved in a lot of 0-0 and 1-0 matches, with the occasional 1-1 or 2-0. 

What you are trying to avoid is teams who are involved in a lot of games with three or more goals.

So taking some time to look at teams’ recent scores and singling out those with a lot of low scores is advisable when looking at possible under 2.0 bets.

Team Formations and Defensive Tactics

When betting under 2.0 goals you need to consider team formations and their style of play.

Teams that play with defensive formations like 5-4-1 or 4-5-1 can often produce low scoring football matches, if they are set up to play in a possession-based or defensive manner.

Also, how teams adapt to their opponents can give you valuable information.

Head-to-Head Statistics

Head-to-head statistics are a must in betting.

Some teams may have a history of low scoring matches when they play each other even though they score plenty of goals in the league.

Analysing these patterns can help you determine if the match will be a low scoring one.

Weather and Its Impact on Goal Scoring

Weather can affect the pace and quality of a football match.

Wet or windy conditions can hinder attacking play and make low scoring matches more likely.

Always check the weather before betting under 2.0 goals.

Recent Form and Goal Scoring Trends

Teams in poor form or in a scoring drought are perfect for under 2.0 goals betting.

By looking at recent form analysis for football betting you can see how a team is doing and adjust your strategy accordingly.

 

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Advanced Under 2.0 Goals Betting

For more experienced bettors, there are advanced techniques that can further enhance your success with under 2.0 goals betting.

By leveraging in-play opportunities, statistical models, and combining markets, you can take your betting strategy to the next level.

In-Play Strategies

In-play under 2 goals betting is exciting especially when you’ve determined the tempo of the match early on.

If teams are playing defensively there can be value in backing under 2 goals, particularly if it was not expected to be a defensive game at the outset.

Tools like the In Play Scanner can be really useful in alerting you to whether there are chances being created in a game and goals are likely.

It rates matches according to how many actions such as attacks, corners and shots are happening.

When a rating is below a certain level, it means there aren’t many chances being created and a goal is not very likely to be scored in the game. 

We tested the scanner out over a three-month trial, and it made £632 in profit based on the alerts sent out.

Alternatively you can watch a game live and decide for yourself whether it is being played in a cautious manner and heading towards a low-scoring outcome.

Either way, in-play betting allows you to see the flow of a game live and can therefore be a better way to utilise the under 2.0 goals market than betting before kick-off.   

Under 2 Bets with Other Markets

You can increase your returns by combining under 2 bets with other markets like Asian handicap or halftime/full-time.

For example, combining an under 2 bet with predicting the match result or betting on a draw can allow you to hedge your risks or be used in trading scenarios. 

Statistical Models and Predictions

Advanced bettors use statistical models for football predictions to analyse data from sites like Predictology such as goal scoring trends, team form and other factors.

These models can be very useful in finding value in under 2 goals market.

 

Pros and Cons of Under 2.0 Goals Betting

Like any football betting market, under 2.0 goals has its advantages and drawbacks.

Let’s take a closer look at both sides to give you a better understanding of whether this bet type suits your betting style and risk appetite.

Pros of Under 2.0 Goals Betting

The pros of under 2 betting include:

  1. Safer Option with the Push Outcome
    One of the main benefits of betting on under 2.0 goals is the “push” scenario. If the match ends with exactly two goals, you get your stake refunded. This safety net reduces the overall risk compared to markets like under 1.5 goals, where two goals would still result in a loss.
  2. Useful for Low-Scoring Matches
    Under 2.0 goals betting is ideal when two teams with strong defences or poor attacking records face each other. If you’ve analysed the match and expect a tight, low-scoring affair, this market can provide excellent value. Teams known for grinding out 0-0 or 1-0 results are prime candidates for this type of bet.
  3. Works Well with Certain Leagues
    Some football leagues are known for having fewer goals scored on average. For example, certain European leagues, including Ligue 1 in France and La Liga in Spain, tend to have lower scoring matches compared to more attack-heavy leagues like the Premier League. By focusing on these leagues, under 2.0 goals betting can become a key part of your strategy.
  4. Fits Defensive Strategies
    If you’re following teams that employ defensive tactics, such as parking the bus or focusing on counter-attacks, under 2.0 goals is a great market to consider. Analysing formations and defensive football strategies can help you identify games where fewer goals are likely to be scored.

Cons of Under 2.0 Goals Betting

Whilst the cons of under 2 bets include:

  1. Limited Profit Potential
    One downside to betting on under 2.0 goals is the relatively limited profit potential. Because of the lower-risk nature of the bet, the odds are usually shorter than other markets like under 1.5 goals. This means you need to place larger stakes or win consistently to make significant profits.
  2. Vulnerable to Late Goals
    The under 2.0 goals market can often be undone by a single late goal. Matches that look like they’ll finish 1-0 can quickly change in injury time, resulting in your bet losing or turning into a push. Injury time is particularly dangerous in football betting, as it often leads to unexpected goals.
  3. Requires Detailed Analysis
    Success in under 2.0 goals betting depends heavily on in-depth analysis. You’ll need to look at team tactics, form, head-to-head records, and even weather impact on football scoring. Without proper research, you might find yourself placing bets on matches that are more open than expected.
  4. Can Be Too Conservative for Some Bettors
    For those who enjoy riskier, higher-reward bets, under 2.0 goals may feel too conservative. The likelihood of receiving your stake back in a push is higher compared to other markets, which can result in lower excitement and slower bankroll growth. If you’re looking for bigger returns, this market may not be for you.

In summary, under 2.0 goals betting is a solid option for those who prefer a more cautious approach and enjoy betting on low-scoring football matches.

However, it’s important to consider the potential limitations, such as shorter odds and the risk of late goals, before committing to this market.


Under 2 Bets as Part of a Bigger Strategy

Under 2 goals betting can be part of a bigger football betting strategy.

You can combine it with 0-0 or 1-0 bets or other markets like draws or Asian handicaps so you have flexibility in how you approach each match.

Bankroll Management

Like any bet, you need to practice good bankroll management in sports betting when betting under 2.0 goals.

Low scoring markets may seem safer but putting too much of your bankroll on one outcome can still lead to big losses.

Always bet with a plan and stake accordingly.

 

Conclusion – Using Under 2 to Take Advantage of Low-Scoring Matches

Betting on under 2.0 goals can be a smart strategy for those looking to take advantage of low-scoring football matches.

With the potential safety net of a push and the right analytical approach, it offers a way to minimise risk while still making steady profits.

However, it’s important to weigh up the lower odds and potential for late goals before diving in.

Whether you’re a cautious bettor or just looking to expand your options, under 2.0 goals betting can be a valuable addition to your football betting toolkit.

Whether you bet on under 2 goals or other markets, good luck with your betting and please remember to always gamble responsibly. 

 

 

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