Both teams had already guaranteed their places in Tokyo 2020 qualifiers but the tournament’s closing showdown was anything but a tame affair.

Spain took the lead early on through Marta Segu after Begoña García’s effort had been saved, only for Sara McManus to level from a penalty corner.

Adrian Lock’s side restored their advantage when Clara Ycart’s mis-hit shot from a penalty corner slipped under goalkeeper Kaitlyn Williams’ foot.

But the scoreline was levelled once more after the quarter break, Kate Wright’s run and pass setting up Brienne Stairs for her eighth goal of the competition.

However, that was as good as it got for the Canadians.

First, Lola Riera fired Spain back in front and in the second half, Carmen Cano converted from a penalty corner.

“I am really happy,” head coach Lock said.

“Through the tournament, we grew and grew.

“We take away a lot of things from this tournament.”

In the third/fourth-place play-off, Italy defeated South Africa 3-1.

The Italians scored all their goals in a four-minute, second-half burst, Giuliana Ruggieri and Lara Oviedo putting them in command.

Eugenia Bianchi made it three following fine work from Elisabetta Pacella, before South Africa’s consolation arrived via Taryn Glasby.