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The upcoming World Cup is finally beginning to seem very real. Although fans are now able to begin marking their calendars, Friday's draw in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Long before the iconic group performed with YMCA, observers were analyzing a group stage that includes a clash between football's top strikers and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on eager to discover their national side's group stage opponents. But, even though fans are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

Following acts 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 begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event initially started. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's World Cup will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this expansion 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' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League forward scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the 25-year-old's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the last match of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and La Liga will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

El Tri will face South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable group game will see France once more face Senegal, who stunned the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a then-unknown player upstaged France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. However, awaiting them are past winners, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites progress from 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 potential tie between former champions the Germans and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries the Argentine and the Portuguese are lined up for a possible clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.