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The upcoming World Cup is finally starting to feel very real. While fans are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent draw in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a opening round that includes a showdown between football's top forwards and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on eager to find out their national side's group stage fixtures. However, despite the fact fans are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and interviews, it finally seemed to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show initially started. The selection then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's World Cup will be the largest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.

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

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. But, compelling contests still await.

Two Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the youngster's ridiculous goalscoring feats—except for one player is set to come up against him in the final round of group games. Together with Senegal, The Nordic side have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

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. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another notable group game will see France once more face Senegal, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Four new nations have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to reach the tournament for the first occasion. However, standing in their way are former world champions, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

If all the top teams make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and France.

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

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.