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The upcoming World Cup is finally starting to feel very real. Although fans can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's ceremony in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Long before the Village People performed with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a clash between football's top forwards and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in eager to discover their national side's group stage fixtures. But, despite the fact fans are used to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event initially started. The selection then required almost an hour to complete.

Moving 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 new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the major nations. England's game against Croatia is the biggest theoretically. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, interesting matches remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the youngster's ridiculous goalscoring feats—except for one player is set to come up against him in the final round of group games. Along with Senegal, The Nordic side have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the first time in international football. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping goal.

Another eye-catching fixture will see the French once more face the Senegalese, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face title-holders La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If all the favorites make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a possible showdown. It would require both Messi's team and Portugal finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

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