So far so weird, then. France on the brink of elimination, England beating Argentina 1-0 and Rivaldo being fined for cheating were just some of the biggest headlines to come out of the first week and a bit of the World Cup.
Cohosts Japan and South Korea, Senegal, Ireland and even Germany, who not so long ago everyone thought was Scotland in disguise, have also done their bit in a ripsnorter of a first round so far.
But to France. Really, does anybody have any sympathy for the World Cup holders? I mean, with or without Zinedine Zidane you would have bet your mortgage on France to beat Senegal in the opening game in Seoul on May 31.