COTIF roots of Spain v Argentina World Cup final, from Scaloni to De la Fuente | OneFootball

Spain v Argentina in the World Cup final has deep roots in COTIF, the l'Alcúdia tournament. According to Superdeporte, both coaches, Luis de la Fuente and Lionel Scaloni, first showcased there, alongside several finalists.

Argentina’s semi-final scorers against England, Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez, are COTIF alumni, Martínez the 2016 best player. Colo Barco also featured, the 2022 MVP. Spain’s starters against France, Marc Cucurella and Álex Baena, are alumni too, Baena the 2019 best player.

Scaloni's springboard came in 2018 with Pablo Aimar. Argentina left the groups, beat Uruguay on penalties after 0-0, Jerónimo Pourtau saving three in a 3-1 shootout, then overcame Russia 2-1, with Colidio and Alan Marinelli overturning Diveev’s opener in the 91st minute.

Claudio Tapia kept the pair as interim senior coaches through 2018, posting four wins and one defeat. A two-year deal followed, then Copa América success and, on 18 December 2022, the epic Argentina v France final that crowned Messi. They now chase a second World Cup.

Spain under De la Fuente have flourished, adding the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League to the latest European crown. The former under-19, under-21 and under-23 coach twice won COTIF and is the first Spaniard to lift Euros at under-19, under-21 and senior level.

This year's COTIF runs from 20 to 30 July, with Argentina the holders after titles in 2012, 2018, 2022 and 2025.

The opening ceremony is on Monday 20, with SEC Brasil v Sevilla at 20:30 and Levante v Morocco at 22:45 on Tuesday 21.

Source: Superdeporte