Copa America 2016: Coin toss goes spectacularly wrong before Colombia vs Paraguay – much to the delight of James Rodriguez


HEADS, tails, or neither?

Colombia’s group stage tie against Paraguay last night featured one of most bizarre beginnings to a football match.

The referee shows his surprise as the coin lands vertical
The referee shows his surprise as the coin lands vertical

As is tradition, the referee Heber Lopes flicked up the coin, only for it to land vertical on its edge, much to the shock and laughter of the two captains, James Rodriguez and Justo Villar, who both absolutely cracked up.

Referee Lopes then picks up the coin to start the process again
Referee Lopes then picks up the coin to start the process again

 

Colombia captain James Rodriguez could not contain his laughter as the coin landed vertical
Colombia captain James Rodriguez could not contain his laughter

The ref then picked up the coin and repeated the toss, and this time it landed properly.

The odds of a coin landing vertically is estimated to be 6,000-1, which is just a bit more than the 5,000-1 you could have got for Leicester City to win the Premier League.

James Rodriguez celebrates his goal for Colombia over Paraguay
James Rodriguez celebrates his goal for Colombia over Paraguay

The Manchester United target Rodriguez scored in the match, which Colombia won 2-1 to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Carlos Bacca gave Colombia an early lead before Real Madrid midfielder Rodriguez, who is playing at the tournament in America despite a shoulder injury, doubled the lead on 30 minutes.

Victor Ayala pulled one back for Paraguay with 18 minutes remaining but Colombia held on to reach the last eight.

 


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