China's steel roses edged Brazil 2-1 in over-time during the women's football semi-finals at the 7th CISM Military World Games (MWG) in Wuhan, central China on Thursday.

The host nation topped Group A with three straight wins over the Republic of Korea (ROK), Germany and the U.S., without conceding any goal in the process. But they had a much tougher time playing against the South American side.

China took an early lead in the 11th minute when the Brazilian goalkeeper's blunder allowed Yang Li to score, her fourth goal in as many games in the Wuhan tournament. 

However, Brazilian Raiza Silva equalized the score with a header in the 41st minute.

As the tie remained unchanged after a scoreless second half, the two sides entered the extra time. China's Yao Wei received her second yellow card and was thus sent off in the 101st minute, which reduced Team China to ten players on the field.

Nonetheless the Chinese continued to press on and seven minutes later, Xu Zhan slammed a cross from the box to score, and eventually sealed a 2-1 victory for China and a spot in the final.

China is to face the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the gold medal game on Saturday.

The DPRK handed ROK a 2-0 defeat in 90-minute regular play in another semis, thanks to Kim Yun Mi and Ri Hae Yon's first half goals.

The DPRK and ROK have increased joint participation in sport events in recently years. Delegations from the two countries marched together at the opening ceremony of the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. Meanwhile, the two will also form joint teams to compete in four sports at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.