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The upcoming World Cup is at last beginning to seem tangible. While fans are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket promising a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in eager to find out their team's initial opponents. However, despite the fact fans are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus countless montages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event initially started. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's World Cup 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 slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, interesting matches remain.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to rival the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player is scheduled to come up against him in the last match of group games. Together with Senegal, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and La Liga will clash for the first time in international football. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the opening match—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable group game will see France again come up against Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are past winners, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Germany. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

What About the Knockout Stage?

If all the top teams progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to meet. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions the Germans and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and the Portuguese are lined up for a potential showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.