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Next summer's World Cup is finally starting to feel very real. Although supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent draw in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Long before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a opening round that includes a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers logged on eager to discover their national side's initial opponents. However, even though fans are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous montages and interviews, it finally seemed to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming 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 maybe resulted in the group stage being slightly diluted in quality.

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 featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to drag his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have been able to come close to the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—but someone who has is set to face him in the last match of group games. Along with Senegal, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will face South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is most famous for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable group game will see France once more face the Senegalese, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that first day, a then-unknown player upstaged France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the expanded World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are former world champions, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, will face defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to meet. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners the Germans and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are set for a possible showdown. It would require both Messi's team and Portugal finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

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