| International Friendlies | |
| COUNTRY | CHANNEL |
| India | B4X SPORTS |
| U.S | Paramount + |
| UK | BT Sports |
| Indonesia | Vidio |
| Malaysia | Bein Sports Malaysia |
| Singapore | Bein Sports Singapore |
| Middle East | Bein Sports Premium 1 |
| Ghana, Nigeria | SuperSport Maximo 1, DStv |
| Myanmar | Sky Net |
| Spain | Movistar + |
About International Friendlies.
International friendlies in football (soccer) are non-competitive matches played between national teams. These games serve various purposes, such as preparation for upcoming tournaments, testing new players or strategies, and maintaining team cohesion. Here’s a closer look at international friendlies:
### Purpose
1. **Preparation for Tournaments**: Teams often schedule friendly matches before major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup or continental championships to fine-tune their tactics and squad selection.
2. **Player Evaluation**: Coaches use friendlies to assess the performance of players who may not have had regular playing time in competitive matches.
3. **Team Building**: These matches help improve team chemistry, as they allow players to practice together in a competitive environment without the pressure of official competitions.
4. **FIFA Rankings**: Although friendlies do not carry the same weight as competitive matches, they can still impact FIFA rankings, which are used to seed teams for tournaments.
### Scheduling
- International friendlies are typically scheduled during international breaks, where clubs must release players for national team duty.
- They can occur at any time of the year but are more common in the lead-up to significant tournaments.
### Formats
- Matches can vary in format, including full international matches and age-specific matches (U21, U20, etc.).
- They can also be used to commemorate events, such as matches held to celebrate a team's anniversary or to honor a former player.
### Controversies
- Some fans and analysts criticize friendlies for being less competitive and lacking intensity compared to official matches.
- There have been instances where teams field weaker squads in friendlies or where matches end in draws after penalties to avoid injuries or risks before crucial competitions.
### Examples
- National teams like Brazil, Germany, and Argentina regularly participate in international friendlies as part of their preparation for competitions.
- Friendlies can sometimes draw significant attention, especially if they feature high-profile teams or players.
### Conclusion
International friendlies play a vital role in football, allowing national teams to prepare effectively for competitive matches while providing opportunities for player development and team cohesion. Despite criticisms, they remain an integral part of the football calendar..
Where to watch the International Friendlies in India?
In India, you can watch international friendlies in football through several platforms and channels. Here are some of the main options:
### 1. **Television Broadcast**
- **Sports Channels**: Major sports networks like **Sony Sports Network** often broadcast international friendlies. They may also show highlights and analysis of these matches.
### 2. **Streaming Services**
- **Sony LIV**: This is the online streaming platform for the Sony Sports Network. You can watch live matches, replays, and additional content related to football.
- **JioTV**: If you have a Jio SIM card, you can access JioTV, which streams various sports channels, including those that cover international friendlies.
- **Disney+ Hotstar**: Occasionally, this platform may have rights to stream certain international friendlies, especially if they are associated with larger tournaments or events.
### 3. **Official Team Websites and Social Media**
- Some national teams stream their friendlies on their official websites or social media channels, such as Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. Keep an eye on these platforms for live streams or highlights.
### 4. **Local Sports Bars or Clubs**
- Many sports bars and clubs in major cities might screen international friendlies, especially if they feature popular teams or star players. It’s worth checking local listings or calling ahead to find out.
### 5. **YouTube and Social Media Platforms**
- Highlights and key moments from international friendlies are often available on YouTube shortly after the matches conclude. Official team channels frequently upload match highlights and post-match analysis.
### Conclusion
To catch international friendlies in India, keep an eye on major sports networks, streaming platforms, and social media. Depending on the popularity of the teams playing, the availability may vary, so checking schedules in advance is a good idea..
