Next summer's World Cup is at last beginning to seem tangible. While fans can finally start planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in the US capital was full of major talking points.
Long before the Village People performed with YMCA, observers were analyzing a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the game.
The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever
Many people logged on keen to find out their team's initial fixtures. But, despite the fact supporters are used to these draws being lengthy, this was extraordinary.
Following acts by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.
Cue further commentary and performances, before the real selection process 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 complete.
Moving On to the Actual Football...
Next summer's World Cup will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.
There are very few fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. England's game against Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams inside the world's elite.
Brazil versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—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 striker netted 16 goals in eight matches to drag his country to their initial berth since 1998.
Few have been able to come close to the youngster's ridiculous goalscoring feats—except for one player is scheduled to come up against him in the last match of group games. Together with Senegal, Norway 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 on the global stage. Expect goals. Lots of goals.
We Meet Again
Mexico will face South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping goal.
Another notable group game will see the French once more face Senegal, who stunned the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.
Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants
Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to reach the finals for the first occasion. However, awaiting them are past winners, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.
In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.
The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.
What About the Playoff Rounds?
If all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and France.
On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are lined up for a potential showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.
Regarding the Three Lions, 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 knockout fixture.
