Marco Rodríguez facts for kids
Marco Antonio Rodríguez (born 10 November 1973 in Mexico City) is a retired Mexican association football referee. He is well-known for his long career overseeing many important soccer matches.
He refereed the famous 2014 FIFA World Cup semi-final where Germany defeated Brazil 7-1. This match was a big moment in soccer history.
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Who is Marco Antonio Rodríguez?
Marco Antonio Rodríguez is a former professional soccer referee from Mexico. He was known for his strict but fair way of managing games. Referees are very important in soccer because they make sure all players follow the rules.
Early Life and Career
Marco Antonio Rodríguez was born on November 10, 1973, in Mexico City. He began his journey in soccer as a referee at a young age. He worked hard to learn all the rules and how to control a game. His dedication helped him move up through the ranks of Mexican soccer.
He started refereeing in Mexico's top league, Liga MX, in 1999. This was a big step for him. Soon, his skills were noticed, and he became an international referee for FIFA in 2000. This meant he could referee games all over the world.
Refereeing Big Games
Throughout his career, Rodríguez refereed many important matches. He was chosen for major tournaments because of his experience and ability. Being a referee in big games means making quick decisions under pressure.
He refereed matches in three different FIFA World Cup tournaments:
- 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany
- 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa
- 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil
The 2014 World Cup Semi-Final
One of the most famous games Rodríguez refereed was the semi-final of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. This match was between host country Brazil and Germany. It was a very surprising game, as Germany won by a score of 7-1.
Rodríguez was in charge of this historic match. His role was to ensure fair play and apply the rules correctly. This game is remembered as one of the most shocking results in World Cup history.
Retirement and Beyond
After the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Marco Antonio Rodríguez decided to retire from refereeing. He had a long and successful career, lasting over 15 years at the international level.
After retiring, he has sometimes worked as a soccer analyst. He shares his knowledge and opinions about games on television. He continues to be involved in the world of soccer, helping others understand the game better.