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The upcoming World Cup is finally beginning to seem very real. While fans are now able to begin marking their calendars, Friday's ceremony in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with YMCA, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage featuring a showdown between football's top forwards and a playoff bracket that could produce a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Many people logged on eager to discover their team's initial fixtures. But, despite the fact fans are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus countless montages and interviews, it finally seemed to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to complete.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's tournament will be the biggest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

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

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have been able to come close to the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the last match of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's Les Bleus.

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. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another notable group game will see France once more face the Senegalese, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

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, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Germany. The island nation, 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, meets title-holders Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions the Germans 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 the Portuguese are set for a possible clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the probable first knockout game. And, if Scotland are able to get through, Japan or the Dutch could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.