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The upcoming global tournament is finally starting to feel tangible. While supporters can finally start marking their calendars, Friday's draw in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Long before the Village People performed with their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a opening round that includes a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It May Never End

Many people logged on eager to discover their national side's initial opponents. But, despite the fact fans are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

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

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the real selection process eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show initially started. The selection then required almost an hour to finish.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's World Cup will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the major nations. England's match with Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to drag his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the last match of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

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

Another eye-catching group game will see the French once more face Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Four new nations have benefited from the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. However, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

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 last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and the French.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and the Portuguese are set for a potential showdown. It would require both Argentina and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if the Scots progress, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.