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Next summer's World Cup is finally beginning to seem very real. While fans can finally start planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

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

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people logged on keen to discover their national side's initial fixtures. But, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to these draws being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

After performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are hardly any matches between the major nations. The Three Lions' match with Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. But, interesting matches still await.

Two Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Premier League striker 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—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the final round of group games. Together with Senegal, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and La Liga will go head-to-head for the first time in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on South Africa in the opening match—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French once more face the Senegalese, who stunned the then-world champions back in 2002. On that first day, a then-unknown player upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. However, awaiting them are past winners, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between former champions the Germans and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are lined up for a potential clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if Scotland are able to get through, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.