DPR Korea dominated the match from start to finish and took a deserved lead thanks to Ri Ui Gyong's inch-perfect half-volley in the 52nd minute.

Japan, though, did not give up and managed to equalise deep into injury time after Won Sol Gyong put the ball in her own net under pressure from the opposition. There was a lengthy VAR review for a potential handball by a Japan attacker but it was awarded by the officials to send the match to spot-kicks.

With the momentum on their side, Japan were perfect from the spot. After Eh Chong Gum had her effort saved by Kou Kadowaki and then Kim Ju Gyong rattled the post, it was up to Asuka Tanaka to seal victory for Japan.

Tanaka coolly slotted the ball into the net to seal Japan's return to the final for the first time since 2016.

Photo: FIFA via Getty Images