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The upcoming World Cup is at last starting to feel very real. While supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent draw in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group performed with YMCA, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage featuring a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to find out their national side's group stage opponents. However, despite the fact fans are accustomed to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's match with Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Goal Machines 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 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—except for one player is set to come up against him in the last match of group games. Along with Senegal, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another eye-catching fixture will see the French again come up against Senegal, who stunned the then-world champions back in 2002. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first time. But, standing in their way are past winners, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About the Knockout Stage?

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

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and the Portuguese are lined up for a potential clash. It would require both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with tournament hosts seems the probable last-32 tie. Should the Scots are able to get through, Japan or the Dutch could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.