After a thrilling contest had finished 2-2 after 90 minutes, Kim scored what proved to be the crucial goal as her shot made its way through a crowd of players and into the net just a minute into the second period of extra-time.

The North Korean side then managed to hold on in the face of constant Spanish pressure to ensure they became the first team at the tournament to reach the last four.

In the other quarter-final, Japan produced a commanding display to sweep aside Brazil 3-1 at the same venue.

North Korea began brightly against a determined Spanish outfit and they took the lead after 18 minutes as Ju Hyo Sim converted a pinpoint Jon So Yon corner.

The Asian outfit doubled their advantage shortly after as Ri Hyang Sim took full advantage of a mistake in the Spanish defence and lifted the ball over onrushing goalkeeper Maria Quinones.

Spain regrouped and managed to halve the deficit before the break as Nahikari Garcia was on hand to follow up after Patricia Guijarro’s long-range shot was only parried by Kim Myong Sun.

The Spanish team then went in search of an equaliser and it came on 63 minutes as Lucia Garcia scored from close range after Andrea Falcon’s left-footed effort was saved.

The match became an end-to-end affair as both teams launched attack after attack in pursuit of a winning goal, with the best opportunity falling to Sung Hyang Sim of North Korea, but she dragged her effort inches wide four minutes into added time.

The frantic tempo of the match continued into extra-time and it was North Korea who emerged victorious thanks to Kim’s 106th minute effort.

North Korea will take on either the United States or Mexico in the semi-finals.

Japan were also in impressive form as they comfortably dispatched Brazil 3-1 to reach the semi-final, although they could not break down the resilient South Americans until the stroke of half-time.

Miyabi Moriya set the tone for what was to come as she converted Yuka Momiki’s pass to give Japan the lead at the break.

Japan then found the net in similar fashion five minutes after the restart, with Moriya turning provider for Shino Matsubara.

Matsubara’s second of the match on 68 minutes effectively killed the game as a contest, with Gabi Nunes’ penalty in the dying stages proving to be little more than a consolation.

Defending champions Germany or France await in the next round.