The Soccer and other surprising stories

The soccer and other stories of surprising twists. With the Russia 2018 World Cup being just around the corner, it is impossible not to remember those matches that made history, like the 7-1 victory of Germany over Brazil four years ago in the semi-finals. That match not only marked a before and after for the players and fans, but also for the referee who officiated the game, Mexican Marco Antonio Rodríguez, who is now a coach.

In fact, that semi-final at the Mineirao was the end of Rodríguez's career as a referee. "With the Brazil-Germany match, the famous thrashing in the semi-finals, I decided to put an end to my refereeing career after three World Cups and 600 league games," the former referee told Marca newspaper.

'Chiquimarco', as he is known, changed his residence and moved to Madrid, where he completed his studies for his new role as a coach.

"When I was a referee, I studied to become a coach at the Mexican Football Federation. Currently, I am studying for my coaching master's degree in Spain and I have just been certified as a sports director by the Spanish Football Federation," he added.

Now, Marco Antonio is waiting for an opportunity from a "brave, executive, or visionary" who will offer him a chance as a coach. "My aspiration is to manage a team in the Second or First Division of Spain," he stated.

Finally, he does not believe that his past as a referee will work against him, but quite the opposite.

"As a referee, you handle a range of tools when you officiate at high level matches. Stepping over those thresholds of excellence in your decisions gives you an impressive baggage," he affirmed.