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The upcoming World Cup is finally starting to feel very real. While supporters can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's draw in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the Village People performed with their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a showdown between football's top forwards and a knockout stage that could produce a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people logged on eager to find out their team's group stage opponents. However, even though fans are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After performances by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews 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 complete.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. However, this expansion has maybe resulted in the group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's game against Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, interesting matches remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Face Off

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

Few have been able to rival the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the last match of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and La Liga will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in international football. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That game, ending 1-1, is most famous for a rasping goal.

Another notable fixture will see the French once more face Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the expanded World Cup to reach the tournament for the first occasion. But, standing in their way 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 take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

If all the top teams make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to meet. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners the Germans and France.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries the Argentine and the Portuguese are set for a potential showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the probable last-32 tie. Should Scotland progress, Japan or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.