Canada concedes late equalizer, limits world champion Spain to draw in women's soccer friendly

Substitute Cristina Martin-Prieto scored in the 89th minute to give World Cup champion Spain a 1-1 draw with Canada in a women's international soccer friendly Friday.

Ona Batlle found Martin-Prieto, who was making her debut, in front of goal with a cross as third-ranked Spain launched one attack after another in a desperate bid for the tying goal. And the Benfica forward headed it home.

Spain had 73 percent possession, outshot Canada 32-5 (10-1 in shots on target) and had 10 corners to Canada's one.

Canada, despite being outplayed most of the game, had gone ahead in the 49th minute through by substitute Marie-Yasmine Alidou.

Spain dominated possession and territory in the first half and the sixth-ranked Canadians were fortunate to go into the break tied 0-0. The home side outshot Canada 16-4 (3-0 in shots on target) in the first 45 minutes.

WATCH | Canada settles for draw with Spain in women's international friendly:

Canada draws even in friendly with Spain 

But Canada went ahead in early in the second half after Evelyne Viens pounced on a heavy touch by defender Maria Mendez. Viens headed towards goal and, attracting two defenders, found an open Alidou whose shot from the edge of the penalty box beat goalkeeper Cata Coll.

It was a first senior goal for Alidou in her third appearance. The 29-year-old from Montreal, who plays her club football in Portugal for Benfica, was a late call-up to camp because of an injury to Cloe Lacasse.

The Canadian defence bent but did not break as Spain kept coming. Canadian goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo made a fine save in the 81st minute to deny a hot shot from Alexia Putellas and a minute later stopped Martin-Prieto's effort.

But Spain kept attacking and was finally rewarded.

Friday's