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Next summer's global tournament is finally beginning to seem very real. While supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent draw in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a opening round that includes a clash between football's top forwards and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to find out their team's initial fixtures. But, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being slightly diluted in quality.

There are very few fixtures between the major nations. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests remain.

Two Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to come close to the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the final round of group games. Along with Senegal, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and La Liga will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also kicked off the 2010 edition. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another eye-catching group game will see France once more face the Senegalese, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a then-unknown player upstaged France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to reach the finals for the first occasion. However, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Germany. The island nation, with a population of around 600,000, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

If all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between former champions the Germans and France.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are set for a potential showdown. It would require both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if Scotland progress, Japan or the Dutch could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.