What is a Friendly in Soccer? And Why is it Played?

In this post, I’ll tell you exactly what a friendly means in soccer and why it’s important.

A friendly in soccer is a non-competitive match played outside a competition or recognized tournament.

But why is it called a friendly?

It’s called a friendly because the focus isn’t on winning at all costs. The game doesn’t affect the official standings, so the focus is more on goals like player development.

But that’s not all there is to it. In this post, you’ll learn about:

the core concept of friendlies in soccer,
purpose of friendlies,

different types of friendlies,
difference between friendlies and official matches,
and much more!

So, if you’re looking to become a topic expert on friendly soccer matches, you’re in the right place.

The Basics of a Friendly in Soccer

A friendly in soccer is a non-competitive game played between two teams. It doesn’t affect their official standings or qualification for tournaments.

These matches are called friendlies due to their uncompetitive nature. But despite that, they can still be quite thrilling and competitive.

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Friendlies also go by the name of an exhibition game or a warm-up match. So, don’t get confused if you hear these alternative terms. You can use them interchangeably.

How Are Friendly Matches Different From Competitive Matches?

First, the results of friendly matches have no bearing on a team’s position in a league table. Winning or losing doesn’t affect their official record.

But every point earned or lost in a competitive match is crucial. They impact a team’s ranking in a league or their qualification for tournaments.

Then, the atmosphere in a friendly soccer match is more relaxed. Coaches experiment with tactics and give playing time to younger players.

Meanwhile, the intensity is much higher in competitive matches.

Some rules are also different in a friendly match and a competitive match. For instance, teams can make more substitutions than usual in a friendly.

Difference Between a Friendly Match and Scrimmage in Soccer

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Both friendlies and scrimmages involve playing soccer outside of a competitive environment. But there are some key differences between the two concepts.

As we’ve already covered, friendlies are formally organized games between established teams. They might be international matches between national teams or club friendlies.

Scrimmages, on the other hand, are informal practice sessions organized by coaches of a team. They can be spontaneous and involve players from the same team or sometimes different teams.

They are often used for training purposes and trying out new tactics.

A scrimmage is also more flexible. It can be full-sized games with two full teams or small-sided games with fewer players.

What are the Rules of a Friendly Match?

Friendly soccer matches generally follow the same core rules as competitive games.

The basic principles of the game like offside, throw-ins, and corner kicks remain the same. The match duration is also a full 90 minutes, divided into two halves.

But there are some minor differences as well.

Friendlies often allow more substitutions than competitive matches. For instance, in club friendlies teams can make unlimited substitutions. This reduces the risk of injuries and gives the coach a chance to test all the players.

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Even international friendlies allow 6 substitutions instead of the 5 in regular matches.

The break between halves might also be shorter than usual in a friendly. This helps to accommodate tighter schedules or travel constraints.

Then, friendlies don’t necessarily need a winner. So, in case of a tie, teams can agree to:

End the match as a draw.
Play extra time and penalty shootouts.
Play an extra period of “golden goal” where the first team to score wins.

Go directly to a penalty shootout.

History of Soccer Friendlies

In the early days of soccer (19th century), friendlies were the most common way for people to enjoy soccer. In fact, teams only played friendly games since there weren’t any official tournaments.

The first game between two nations, Scotland and England, in 1872, was also an exhibition game.

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In 1875, the United States played its first international match in a friendly against Canada.

Then, in the late 19th century, organized leagues and cup competitions began to emerge. But friendlies remained crucial. They were a way for teams to test themselves against opponents from other regions.

Friendlies also allowed teams to travel and spread soccer across the world. London-based side Corinthian FC played friendly competitions on nearly every continent.

The Corinthian F.C. team that toured North America in 1906; Public Domain, Link

So friendly matches have been a vital part of soccer since the origins of the sport. This is especially the case in the US.

Since the start of the 20th century, European clubs have traveled to the US to put on a show for the fans every year. This tradition continues even today as most of the pre-season friendlies take place in the US.

Purpose of Friendly Games in Soccer

Friendly games in soccer serve a multitude of purposes. They offer benefits for teams, players, coaches, and even fans.

Here are some key reasons why teams take part in friendlies.

Pre-Season Preparation

After an off-season break, friendlies are important for players to regain match fitness and sharpness. Without these warm-up matches, players find it hard to perform at their peak when the season starts.

They also help the coaches assess the players’ fitness levels and select the team for the season.

Team Development

Playing together in friendlies can also help players develop better chemistry. This time together allows teams to gel and work on their coordination.

Furthermore, playing well in friendlies can boost team morale before the season starts.

Additionally, friendlies offer a chance to integrate new signings into the squad. The low-pressure environment helps the new signings to get accustomed to their new teammates.

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Testing Tactics and Talent

Coaches use friendly games to test new tactics and experiment with different strategies. This allows them to identify what works and what needs improvement before the pressure of real games begins.

International Match Practice

National teams play friendlies in preparation for upcoming tournaments.

These games also allow them to go up against different styles of opponents. This helps the teams adapt and plan for a wider range of competition.

International friendlies also play a part in international rankings. Winning friendlies can help a national team climb the FIFA World Rankings. This can grant them a more favorable position in future tournament draws.

Different Types of Friendlies in Soccer

International Friendlies

International friendlies involve national teams from different countries. They are often played in preparation for major tournaments like the World Cup.

These friendlies are mostly played during international breaks between regular seasons. Players can get booked in international friendlies and results can affect the country’s FIFA ranking.

Club Friendlies

Club friendlies involve professional clubs from different leagues or regions. They’re non-competitive matches often played during season breaks or before a season starts.

Pre-Season Friendlies

These are matches played during the off-season. Pre-season friendlies help build up fitness and performance levels for players.

They can be a part of pre-season friendly tournaments or be one-off matches.

All-Star Friendlies

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All-Star friendlies involve selecting the best players from a league or specific group of teams. Then building a team of those stars.

All-star teams can either face other all-star teams or even a club team.

Testimonial Friendlies

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These are friendlies hosted to honor retiring players. The retiring players select some of their favorite teammates and go up against their former club or a rival.

Charity Friendlies

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These are soccer matches organized to raise money for a specific cause or charity.

Charity friendlies can have national or club teams playing. Sometimes the teams are even made up of celebrities or former players.

Thank You For Reading

So I hope you enjoyed learning about a friendly match in soccer. If you did, then do consider sharing it with fellow soccer enthusiasts.

Your support and sharing of this content can help us reach a wider audience. It can also provide valuable information to more people who share our passion for the beautiful game.

I’d also like to hear what you have to say…

Do you think friendlies are an important part of soccer? Or should the number of friendlies be reduced?

What do you think of international breaks during a regular season? (I personally don’t like them).

Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below right now!

And thank you for supporting Soccer Mavericks!

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