Spain defeat denies Beckie's Canada Arnold Clark Cup victory | OneFootball

Janine Beckie’s Canada were denied victory in the inaugural Arnold Clark Cup after slipping to a 1-0 defeat to Spain in their final game of the round robin tournament.

Three points would have seen the Olympic champions lift the trophy at Molineux, but a goal from Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas sealed the win for Spain, who will claim the title should England fail to beat Germany later this evening.

Putellas finished off a passing move she started to break the deadlock in the 21st minute, arriving unmarked in the box to steer home the overlapping Leila Ouahabi’s low cross from 10-yards.

Beckie had tested Spanish goalkeeper Lola Gallardo with a 30-yard free-kick in the opening exchanges and the Manchester City winger came close to creating an equaliser before the break.

Again, it was a from a set-piece, as she picked out Jordyn Huitema with a teasing ball from the right, but Gallardo showed brilliant reactions to tip the striker’s header onto the bar from point-blank range.

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Spain finished the first half the stronger and Putellas hit the bar with a far post header after the break, but Canada grew into the game and put the opposition under pressure as they searched for an equaliser.

Beckie was withdrawn 14-minutes from time and her replacement, Cloe Lacasse, forced a good save from Gallardo, whilst a deflection off Quinn meant Nichelle Prince headed a golden opportunity over the bar from six-yards in the closing stages.

Spain’s victory leaves them top of the group on five points and means the Arnold Clark Cup will be decided in the final game between England and Germany, which kicks-off at 19:30 (UK) this evening.

Should the Lionesses win by two goals, they will be crowned tournament winners.