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The upcoming World Cup is finally beginning to seem very real. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's draw in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the Village People took to the stage with YMCA, we were left picking the bones out of a opening round featuring a clash 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 May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to discover their national side's initial fixtures. However, even though supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's World Cup will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. England's match with Croatia is the biggest theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City forward scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to rival the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—except for one player is set to come up against him in the final round of group games. Along with Senegal, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and La Liga will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That game, which finished 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 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

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. However, awaiting them are past winners, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Germany. 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 40 years of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to meet. The last 16 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 Messi and Ronaldo are set for a possible showdown. 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 first knockout game. Should the Scots progress, Japan or the Dutch could await in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.