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The upcoming World Cup is finally beginning to seem very real. While supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in the US capital was not short of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a group stage featuring a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket promising a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in keen to discover their team's initial opponents. But, even though supporters are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then required almost an hour to finish.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

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 maybe resulted in the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the biggest theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with 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 Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, interesting matches still await.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

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

Few have managed to rival the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is set to face him in the last match of the group stage. Along with Senegal, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and La Liga will go head-to-head for the first time in on the global stage. Expect goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That game, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous goal.

Another notable group game will see the French again come up against Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a then-unknown player upstaged France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures 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. But, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon'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 big hitters to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and the French.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are set for a possible clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if Scotland progress, Japan or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.