Below, you will find the definitions of the main football markets. These definitions are used as a reference for bet settlement.
Goals
A goal is credited to the player who scored it. In the case of an own goal, it is credited to the defending player.
If there is any dispute regarding the assignment of the goal to a player, OPTA will apply its own rules and, when appropriate, align its decision with the official competition body.
Assists
An assist is the final touch by a teammate that allows the ball recipient to score a goal.
If the ball is deflected by an opposing player, the assist may still be awarded as long as the pass was intended for the goal scorer, regardless of the deflection.
No assist is awarded in the case of an own goal, direct free kick goal, or direct corner kick goal.
The same rule applies for penalties, except when the player taking the penalty chooses to pass the ball for another player to score.
Offsides
This event is attributed to the player who is in an offside position when a free kick is awarded.
If two or more players are in an offside position when the ball is played, the offside is attributed to the player considered to be most actively involved in the play.
Shots on Goal
A shot on goal is a deliberate attempt to score directed at the goal.
It includes all goals scored, shots on target saved by the goalkeeper, and shots on target blocked by a last-line defender preventing the ball from entering the goal.
Shots
A shot is any deliberate attempt to score a goal.
It includes attempts that are stopped by the goalkeeper, blocked by a defender, or that completely miss the target.
Saves
A save occurs when a goalkeeper prevents the ball from entering the goal with any part of their body, in response to an intentional attempt by an opposing player.
Saves can be classified according to:
- Body part: hands, feet, body, or fist.
- Type of save: catch, gather, safe clearance, danger cleared, hesitation, or fingertip.
- Goalkeeper position: dive, standing, sliding, reaching, or crouching.
They may also include unintentional or misdirected efforts toward the goal by the goalkeeper’s teammates, provided the intervention is not considered a routine ball collection.
Important notes:
- If after the goalkeeper’s intervention a more prominent defensive action by a teammate prevents the ball from entering the goal, the action will be categorized as a defender block and not as a goalkeeper save.
- If the ball goes out over the goal line due to a goalkeeper’s intervention, the referee must award a corner kick for the action to be recognized as a save.
Tackles
A tackle is defined as a legal, ground-level action in which a player successfully takes the ball from an opponent who has controlled possession.
The opposing player must have controlled possession of the ball for the action to be considered a tackle.
Both successful and unsuccessful tackles are categorized as tackles. The difference depends on where the ball goes after the challenge.
- Successful tackle: considered successful when the player making the tackle or one of their teammates regains possession, or when the ball goes out of play and is in a safe area.
- Unsuccessful tackle: considered unsuccessful when the tackle is made, but the ball ends up in possession of an opposing player.
Passes
A pass is an attempt to deliver the ball from one player to a teammate.
The player may use any part of the body allowed by the rules of the game to execute a pass.
Event categorization includes:
- Open play passes
- Goal kicks
- Corner kicks
- Free kicks played as a pass
Crosses, goal kicks, and throw-ins are not counted as passes.
Goal Kicks
A goal kick is considered when the ball completely crosses the goal line after last being touched by an attacking team player and the referee officially awards a goal kick.
Only goal kicks executed during the regulation time of the match, that is, 90 minutes plus stoppage time, are counted.
Cards
This market only considers cards officially shown by the referee during the regulation time of the match, that is, 90 minutes plus stoppage time.
According to our rule 3.1.62, the counting is as follows:
- Yellow card: counts as 1 card.
- Second yellow card: is not counted independently for settlement purposes.
- Red card: counts as 2 cards.
A player may accumulate a maximum of 3 cards.
Not considered:
- Cards shown after the match has ended.
- Cards to players who did not enter the field.
- Cards to players who had already left the field.
- Cards to coaching staff or bench.
Corner Kicks
This market only considers corner kicks officially executed during the regulation time of the match, that is, 90 minutes plus stoppage time.
Only corners awarded and executed in accordance with official referee decisions are counted.
Corner kicks that are not executed will not be counted.