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Next summer's global tournament is at last beginning to seem tangible. Although supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, Friday's draw in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It May Never End

Many people logged on keen to find out their national side's group stage opponents. However, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

This led to more interviews and entertainment, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event initially started. The selection then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this expansion has maybe resulted in the group stage being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the major nations. England's match with Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, interesting matches still await.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City striker netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to rival the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against 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 leading scorers in the Premier League and La Liga will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will face South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French once more face the Senegalese, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder outshone 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 occasion. However, standing in their way are former world champions, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About the Knockout Stage?

If all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners Germany and France.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are lined up for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against tournament hosts seems the probable last-32 tie. And, if Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.