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The upcoming World Cup is finally beginning to seem very real. Although supporters can finally start marking their calendars, Friday's draw in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Well before the Village People performed with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a group stage featuring a clash between football's top strikers and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to discover their team's initial fixtures. But, even though supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself then required almost an hour to finish.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's World Cup will be the biggest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has maybe resulted in the initial phase being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's game against Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. But, compelling contests remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City forward scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the last match of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side 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 first time in international football. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is most famous for a rasping goal.

Another notable group game will see France again come up against Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in 2002. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to reach the tournament for the first time. But, standing in their way are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Germany. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face Euro winners and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions the Germans and the French.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are set for a possible showdown. 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 last-32 tie. Should the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.