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Originally Posted by Bytor Peltor

could someone please explain, "friendlies"

it's a match where there's nothing at stake (but there's money from box office).

'mericans i think call them "exhibition" games.

except that the ones you're watching now are more actual practice matches than "exhibitions".

if you notice, it will be a world cup finalist vs. a team that didn't qualify.

since national squads are composed of players who played in different teams/countries, these friendlies give you a chance to prepare-- and also spy.

e.g., in the peru-england friendly the other day (england is in, peru is out), there was a man with an azzurri blazer in attendance.

why, you wonder? here be group D:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/groups/group=255939/

(that's gonna be a tough group btw)