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The upcoming World Cup is at last beginning to seem very real. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent draw in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Long before the Village People took to the stage with YMCA, observers were analyzing a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a highly anticipated encounter between legends of the sport.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to discover their team's group stage opponents. But, despite the fact fans are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the real selection process eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event initially started. The selection then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any matches between the major nations. England's match with Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, interesting matches remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in eight matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to rival the youngster's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the final round of group games. Along with Senegal, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on South Africa in the opening match—repeating history. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see France again come up against Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in 2002. On that first day, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. However, awaiting them are past winners, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, 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.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the top teams make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait 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 the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the probable first knockout game. Should Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.