🔗 Share this article

The upcoming global tournament is finally starting to feel very real. Although supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent draw in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the Village People performed with their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the game.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in keen to find out their national side's group stage opponents. But, even though supporters are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

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

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in quality.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's match with Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to come close to the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the last match of group games. Along with Senegal, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and Spain's division will clash for the first time in international football. Expect goals. 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 game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Four new nations have benefited from the expanded World Cup to reach the finals for the first time. But, awaiting them are former world champions, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the top teams 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 extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and the French.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are lined up for a possible clash. It would require both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the probable last-32 tie. Should Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.