The American Team spent much more time on stage than the other teams, but this was hardly to be criticized, After all, they were the host nation, and indeed, they shined brightly with all the big names.
After the American Team came down from the stage to the competitors' area, another famous American singer took the stage to perform.
Then came the last segment of the evening, the group draw!
Everyone perked up, looking at the stage either nervously or with anticipation.
The 32 teams were divided into eight groups, and each group had only one qualification spot. Being grouped with the American Team basically meant having no hope of advancing. Even without facing the American Team, if you were placed with several strong teams in the same group, the battle for survival in the group stage could be fierce, and teams might be too battered to continue even if they managed to advance.
