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Next summer's global tournament is finally starting to feel tangible. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's draw in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in eager to discover their national side's group stage fixtures. But, even though fans are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus countless video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

This led to more interviews and entertainment, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The selection then took 59 minutes to finish.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. However, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

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 scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the final round of group games. Together with Senegal, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and La Liga will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in international football. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is most famous for a rasping goal.

Another eye-catching group game will see France again come up against Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to reach the finals for the first occasion. However, standing in their way are former world champions, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming 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 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 set for a potential showdown. It would require both Argentina and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

For England, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if Scotland progress, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.