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Next summer's global tournament is at last beginning to seem very real. While fans can finally start planning their schedules, the recent draw in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a opening round that includes a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket that could produce a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to discover their team's initial fixtures. But, even though supporters are used to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the major nations. England's game against Croatia is the biggest theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with 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 official standings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, interesting matches still await.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward scored 16 times in qualifying 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 set to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Together with Senegal, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's Les Bleus.

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

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another eye-catching fixture will see the French once more face Senegal, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to reach the finals for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are past winners, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

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

What About the Knockout Stage?

If all the favorites progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 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 draw, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a potential showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.