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Next summer's World Cup is finally starting to feel very real. Although fans can finally start marking their calendars, Friday's draw in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage featuring a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to find out their team's initial opponents. But, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to these draws being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it finally seemed to get going nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the major nations. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. Nevertheless, interesting matches still await.

Two Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is set to face him in the final round of group games. Together with Senegal, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and La Liga will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

El Tri will take on South Africa in the opening match—and not for the first time. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see the French once more face Senegal, who stunned the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first time. However, awaiting them 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 meet multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

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

What About the Playoff Rounds?

If all the favorites make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to meet. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners the Germans and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are set for a potential showdown. It would require 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 most likely last-32 tie. Should Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.