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The upcoming global tournament is finally starting to feel tangible. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's draw in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, we were left analyzing a opening round that includes a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on eager to discover their national side's group stage fixtures. But, even though supporters are accustomed to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous montages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and performances, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the largest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this expansion has maybe resulted in the group stage being slightly diluted in quality.

There are very few matches between the major nations. England's match with Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to come close to the youngster's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Along with Senegal, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the first time in international football. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face South Africa in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French once more face the Senegalese, who stunned the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

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, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

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 meet. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners the Germans and France.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a potential clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the probable last-32 tie. And, if Scotland progress, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.