France were supposed to be the major hopes of Europe in this tournament, but on this form the Northern Hemisphere hasn't got a hope.
Nerve-ridden France weren't just beaten, they were brushed aside by a huge Pumas performance, and the result is bad news for Ireland, who face both sides in Pool D later in the competition.
The people on the right are NOT Argentina players, but two of their fans in the Stade de France celebrating a victory that has set the tournament alight from the kick-off. It'sd a good thing it was warm inside the stadium.
The Argentinians defended like heroes and showed a tactical awareness which clearly surprised the French.
Full-back Ignacio Corleto scored the first-half try that clinched the win, with centre Felipe Contepomi kicking the other 12 points.
France replied with four penalties from David Skrela, but in a nervous display from him and the French team, there were chances to score more with the boot ... chances which were thrown away in  front of a French crowd that started booing Les Bleus after less than half an hour.
It's only the second time the hosts nation has lost the opening game - England were first against New Zealand in 1991.
Juan Martin Hernandez, switched from full-back to fly-half, controlled the game with some great kicking, and the Pumas pack was always on top.
It wasn't a spectacular match, but it had plenty of tension, a huge performance by the alleged underdogs, and a surprise result.
If it's going to be like this for the next six weeks, the 2007 World Cup is going to be a stunner, especially if the fans are as picturesque as Argentina's.

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