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Next summer's World Cup is at last starting to feel very real. Although fans are now able to begin planning their schedules, 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 football's top strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to discover their national side's group stage fixtures. But, even though fans are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus countless video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

This led to further commentary and performances, before the actual draw eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to complete.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are hardly any matches between the major nations. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the only group fixture with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

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 qualifying matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player is set to face him in the final round of the group stage. Together with Senegal, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in international football. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on South Africa in the opening match—and not for the first time. The two teams also kicked off the 2010 edition. That game, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see France again come up against Senegal, who stunned 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 larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, will face title-holders Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon'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 extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries the Argentine and the Portuguese are lined up for a possible clash. It would require both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against tournament hosts seems the probable first knockout game. And, if the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.