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The upcoming World Cup is finally beginning to seem tangible. Although fans can finally start marking their calendars, the recent draw in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Well before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a opening round that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards 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

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to discover their team's group stage opponents. But, even though supporters are used to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

This led to further commentary and performances, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event initially started. The draw itself then required almost an hour to finish.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. However, this expansion has maybe resulted in the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao 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. But, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the last match of the group stage. Together with Senegal, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and La Liga will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping goal.

Another eye-catching group game will see France again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the then-world champions back in 2002. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the expanded World Cup to reach the finals for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are former world champions, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, will face title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between former champions the Germans and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals the Argentine and the Portuguese are set for a possible showdown. It would require both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with tournament hosts seems the probable first knockout game. Should the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.