Freundschaftsspiele
In short
These are exhibition football matches played outside of official competitive tournaments. They allow national teams and clubs to test new tactics and players without the pressure of points or trophies.
In plain words
Teams play these games to practice and prepare for big competitions. Since they do not count towards a league or tournament standing, coaches can experiment with different lineups.
A simple example
The German U-23 team recently played a test match against Sweden to prepare for future tournaments. This allowed the coach to try six different player changes compared to their previous game.
Why it matters
They are vital for player development and fitness during international breaks. They also help teams like Kyrgyzstan prepare for major events like the Asian Cup.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse them with competitive matches like the Nations League or Champions League, where the result determines ranking or progression.