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The upcoming World Cup is finally starting to feel very real. While supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent draw in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage featuring a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people logged on eager to discover their team's group stage opponents. However, despite the fact supporters are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the real selection process eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to finish.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the largest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are very few fixtures between the major nations. The Three Lions' match with Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to come close to the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—but someone who has is set to face him in the last match of group games. Together with Senegal, The Nordic side have been drawn against the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another eye-catching group game will see France again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that first day, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first time. However, standing in their way are past winners, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

If all the top teams 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 Germany and the French.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. Should Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.