What is a friendly in soccer?

A friendly in soccer is a match played between two teams that is not part of a formal competition or tournament. It is usually played as a warm-up or preparation match before the start of a new season or before an important match or tournament. The rules and regulations for friendly matches are similar to that of competitive matches, but the result of the match does not count towards any league or cup standings. Friendlies are also used as a way for teams to experiment with different tactics, formations, or strategies. Additionally, friendly matches are often used to raise funds for charitable causes or as a way of promoting the sport in new areas.