Argentines left furious after sound engineer mistakenly plays "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" instead of National Anthem before crucial World Cup Qualifier

The Argentine National Football team and thousands of its supporters at the El Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires were left bewildered and later furious after the sound engineer mistakenly played the melody for Don't Cry For Me Argentina instead of the traditional Himno Nacional Argentina before a crucial World Cup Qualifier against Venezuela on Tuesday night.

The Argentine National Football team which is currently struggling to qualify for the World Cup and who were in fifth position in the CONMEBOL qualifying zone table and eligible for a potential play-off spot but then suddenly found themselves in sixth place after other results didn't go their way, were hosting the traditional whipping boys of South American World Cup Qualifying - Venezuela in a very important home fixture and were eager to claim what was supposed to be an easy three points against a team which had already been eliminated from contention for a spot in Russia next year and were only playing for pride.

The Albiceleste, a traditional footballing powerhouse, with the inspirational Lionel Messi in their squad, were expected to steamroll a team whose country has become more infamous for political turmoil in recent years and whose only claim to fame on the international stage is its women winning beauty pageants. Everything seemed to be alright when the two teams took to the field for the traditional flag exchange and after the Venezuelan National Anthem was played. the pro-Argentine crowd and national team were hyped up to hear their national anthem play but were left confused and angered by what transpired next.

Instead of the National Anthem, the melody for Don't Cry For Me Argentina was played as the bewildered and irate pro-Argentina Stadium booed and show their disapproval by stomping their feet in unison and using expletives. Eventually though, the problem was realized and the sound engineers corrected the error. The embarrassing faux pas did seem to have a negative impact on the Argentine squad though as they fell behind to the Venezuelans in the 51st minute of the game when Murillo gave them the lead. Parity was restored to the game only three minutes later though from an unfortunate own goal off Venezuelan defender Rolf Feltscher and both teams settled for a point apiece as the Argentines failed to make the best use of their home field advantage.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Argentina Coach Jorge Sampaoli was adamant that the anthem error was the main reason why his squad was unable to get full points and potentially move into second place on the table.

"The big mistake that was made with the National Anthem when some idiot decided to play Don't Cry For Me Argentina instead of our lovely Himno Nacional Argentina really negatively impacted the boys. Even Messi was not his normal self and he was very worried that he might miss the World Cup next year as we were still in fifth place after the game and can potentially miss out on a spot in Russia next year. Thankfully though Chile's away loss to Bolivia left us with a slight glimmer of hope of qualifying as long as we win our last two remaining fixtures at home to Peru and away to Ecuador. If we can't do that then Don't Cry For Me Argentina may very well become our country's official National Anthem and even worse, I'll be looking for a job."

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