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The upcoming global tournament is at last beginning to seem tangible. Although fans can finally start marking their calendars, Friday's draw in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the Village People performed with YMCA, we were left picking the bones out of a opening round that includes a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people logged on keen to find out their national side's group stage opponents. But, even though fans are used to these draws being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and interviews, it finally seemed to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches 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 Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player is set to face him in the last match of group games. Along with Senegal, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Expect goals. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France again come up against Senegal, who shocked 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.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the expanded World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are former world champions, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around half a million, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to collide. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions the Germans and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. Should Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.