FIFA International Match Days 2013: Must-See Friendlies on Friday's Slate

In the midst of thrilling play between World Cup qualifying, Champions League and club play, FIFA gave some national teams a break with some friendlies on the schedule.

Despite nothing being up for grabs, a couple of these showdowns feature world-class talent across the board that make it an obvious choice to view during the day.

Here are the most important matches to catch on Friday, Nov. 15.

For the full international friendly schedule, visit ESPN FC.

2:45 p.m. ET—Italy vs. Germany (ESPN3)

See what I meant by "must-see" matches?

Italy and Germany will take the stage on Friday in a match that is perhaps better saved for a major tournament final. It'll be the rematch of the 2012 Euro semifinal, which Mario Balotelli dominated en route to both of Italy's goals in a 2-1 win. 

Since, Germany has been on an absolute tear through World Cup qualifications and is looking to build up their form heading into next summer in Brazil. And they'll surely have redemption on their minds after the summer of 2012. 

According to the Daniella Matar of the Associated Press, via Miami Herald, Germany aren't looking at it that way. For German captain Philipp Lahm, it's just another test:

"

Obviously it was a bitter defeat, especially as it was in the semifinal but there are always losers and winners in football. There's no sense of revenge because we can't go back to the final so it's already in the past. It's useless to look backwards, we can't play that match again. It's a good test for us ahead of the World Cup and we'll see how it goes.

"

The two nations have combined for seven World Cup victories, so there is certain to be great talent across the board. 

This is as good as it gets in international friendlies. 

3 p.m. ET—England vs. Chile (Fox Sports 1)

After securing their World Cup bid in thrilling fashion, England's national team can now focus on building up their form and establishing chemistry among their starting lineup.

That's not good news for Joe Hart, it seems. The prized goalkeeper has struggled mightily between the pipes for Manchester City this season, spurring manager Roy Hodgson to sit him for this tune-up friendly, per The Telegraph. 

On the injury front, Steven Gerrard and Daniel Sturridge are likely to miss Friday's match as well as Michael Carrick, according to Andy Hunter and Daniel Taylor of The Guardian. 

As for Chile, they have plenty to build for as well after securing a bid to next summer's World Cup. Playing England and Brazil in back-to-back friendlies will give the Chileans a decent measuring stick as to where they stand against some elite foes.

3:05 p.m. ET—Scotland vs. United States (ESPN2)

Two national teams with a different trajectory at the moment will clash in this Friday affair.

Jurgen Klinsmann has helped to revitalize American soccer and the U.S. easily notched a World Cup bid by dominating the CONCACAF region. 

Meanwhile, Scotland missed out on the World Cup finals again—they haven't made the world-renowned tournament since 1998. The next major event on their slate is 2016 Euro qualifications.

The last time these two sides matched up, it wasn't pretty. In Landon Donovan's return to the lineup just before last summer's play, the Americans absolutely romped the Scottish, 5-1. 

USMNT have plenty of lineup issues to hammer out, including a crowded pool of strikers. But according to recent emerging star Chris Wondolowski, it should bring out the best of competition, per Graham Ruthven of MLS Soccer. 

Klinsmann's side has never lacked inspiration and motivation, no matter what is on the line. Even though it's just a friendly, don't expect anything less from USMNT.