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Next summer's global tournament is at last starting to feel tangible. Although supporters can finally start marking their calendars, the recent draw in Washington DC was full of major talking points.

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

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on keen to discover their national side's initial opponents. However, even though fans are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the real selection process eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event 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 largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has maybe resulted in the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. England's match with Croatia is the biggest theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Premier League forward scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—except for one player is set to come up against him in the last match of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side 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. Anticipate net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on 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 thunderous goal.

Another eye-catching fixture will see the French once more face the Senegalese, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Four new nations have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. However, standing in their way are former world champions, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a potential clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.