Explaining the 90-minute draw for soccer betting

One of the most popular wagers for summer soccer action is the 1X2 market. When playing that market for a match, you have the option of picking a team to win or for the match to end in a draw, but in a knockout-stage match, the market can become confusing. It's during a knockout stage match that fans can learn the hard way about the 90-minute draw.

What does this mean? It means the 1x2 market you are playing will have a result after 90 minutes are played, including any stoppage time—a win for one team, a win for the other team or a draw. The result of that market does not include any extra time or penalties. This is confusing, because it only applies to tournament knockout matches that must have a winner, as opposed to a league match or even a group-stage tournament match that can result in a draw.

A recent example of a 90-minute draw result occurred when the Netherlands faced Sweden in a Women's World Cup semifinal July 3. That match was scoreless after 90 minutes and went to extra time, where the Dutch scored in the first extra-time period and eventually won. Despite the Dutch victory, those who played the draw in that 1x2 bet were the real winners, since that market result was determined after 90 minutes.

The Draw No Bet market is a way to hedge your stake, as any match that is a draw after 90 minutes means you push. For knockout-stage matches in tournaments, there are also outright bets that can be placed, where you win if your team pick is the victor, no matter when it happens.