In-play betting has become increasingly popular over the last decade or so, and it can certainly have a number of advantages compared to a traditional pre-match punt.
Here,we look at why Euro 2024 in-play betting can potentially offer so much that the quarter-final stage.
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The advantages of Euro 2024 in-play betting
A lot of the ‘advantages' to in-play betting are based on opinion and personal experience. But nobody can deny that waiting until a match has kicked off allows an assessment of the current state of play, which can prove crucial before placing a bet in any given game.
This could be, for example, when a heavily-backed favourite has failed to take the lead in a game, or if the underdog gets their noses in front. The latter always has an immediate impact, in that the favourite sees its 1×2 odds lengthen amongst other, more niche markets.
Similarly, if the stronger of the two sides received a red card or lost one of their key players to an injury, then the odds on that team winning would likely lengthen in-play too, though conceding an opener would always bring about the bigger shift by far.
Which games should I chooses for Euro 2024 in-play betting?
We'll be previewing all four quarter-final ties to aid your Euro 2024 in-play betting quest. They'll have all the information you need to make an astute decision, but here are several trends you should look out for in any team's recent history.
A tendency to win from behind
Star-studded sides aren’t always the fastest out of the blocks, and they will often have to recover from a deficit to reign supreme.
For example, Liverpool set a new club record in the most recent Premier League season by earning seven wins from a losing position.
Often concedes first
Similarly, if the favoured side has an unfortunate habit of conceding first in games, you could take advantage of the longer in-play odds they command whilst trailing.
Poor discipline for either team
If ill-discipline creeps into a game from either side then this could also present a good opportunity for an in-play punt. While we've already touched upon the effect this potentially has on win odds, the niche cards markets (particularly ‘total cards' or ‘disciplinary points') can provide some good opportunities.
Alternatively, keeping a close eye on individual players who are either racking up fouls or time-wasting could prove profitable in the player cards market.
Goalkeepers in particular will sometimes ‘take one for the team' if holding onto a slender lead, by exceeding the permitted time they can hold the ball for. In that regard, look at teams who are a single goal up with a lot at stake.
Manager has a penchant for early subs
If a particular manager is accustomed to making early substitutions then it can lead to complacency and a drop in intensity from their team. Thus, responding to this type of development in-play is something that bettors can look to capitalise on.
A team or player often scores in a specific time period
A go-to market for many in-play punters is to back a side to score at a specific time in the game e.g. in the final 15 minutes of either half.
Real Madrid are probably the prime example of this, with the Spanish giants staging a seemingly endless run of late turnarounds to triumph in the Champions League in recent years.
Records from set pieces
If a team has a handy knack for causing their opponents problems from set-pieces, then this could prove to be another rewarding in-play betting strategy.
The market more often than not underestimates an underdog's capability of earning free-kicks and corners, so it's something that’s always worth keeping an eye on in the in-play section.
Which Euro 2024 quarter-final games are best for in-play betting?
Spain vs Germany
One of the standout quarter-final ties at Euro 2024 sees Spain take on Germany at the MHPArena on Friday evening.
An argument could be made that both of these nations have been the two most impressive performers in the tournament to date.
As such, all the ingredients appear to be in place for an action-packed contest, and this game is certainly one to keep an eye on from an in-game perspective.
With so much at stake here, both team cards and player cards could prove successful in-play paths to profit in Stuttgart.
England vs Switzerland
England survived an almighty scare against Slovakia in the round of 16 and they should expect another stern test from Switzerland.
Murat Yakin’s men held host nation Germany to a draw in the group phase and have since sent reigning champions Italy packing.
Given England’s struggles in front of goal at Euro 2024 so far, there is plenty of scope for this quarter-final tie to go the distance.
A case could be made for either nation to navigate their way to the last four and the best way to make either team pay could be achieved by pulling the trigger in-play.
Netherlands vs Turkey
Netherlands put in their best performance at Euro 2024 so far by romping to a 3-0 win over Romania in the round of 16.
That showing has prompted Betfred to make the Dutch overwhelming 4/7 favourites against Turkey on Saturday night.
However, the Crescent Stars will be riding the crest of a wave after overcoming Austria in the last-16.
Vincenzo Montella’s men have lost just one of their last 10 competitive matches and they won’t be fazed by the prospect of going up against Roandl Koeman’s side.
While the Netherlands are expected to come through this tie, the shrewder option could be to get with the Oranje once the game is already underway.
Freelance Sports Writer and Betting Analyst with over five years experience. I’ve written football and darts betting content for some of the biggest betting websites and newspapers in the UK. With a strong passion for the fascinating world of Scottish football, I also regularly feature in Nutmeg, the much-loved Scottish football magazine. Falkirk season ticket holder and avid watcher of football and darts, whether it be UK-based or further afield. Feel free to follow me on X @SlipsTips
