Almeida edges Bremen into German Cup semis

(GSM) – Hugo Almeida’s goal with 14 minutes remaining gave Werder Bremen a 2-1 victory on Tuesday in a German Cup quarter-final against Hoffenheim.

Naldo opened the scoring for the struggling Bremen, but Prince Tagoe’s first goal of the year pulled Hoffenheim level in the second half. Shortly after, though, substitute Almeida slotted the winner.

Bremen, who broke a five-match Bundesliga losing streak last Friday, went in front on a free kick in the 27th minute when Brazilian defender Naldo curled a free kick beyond Timo Hildebrand.

Hoffenheim, though, fought back and levelled the match in the 73rd minute through substitute Tagoe.

Christian Eichner crossed in from the left side after a nice run, and Tagoe, who came on two minutes earlier for Boris Vukcevic, nodded past Tim Wiese to make it 1-1.

It wasn’t to be, however, for Hoffenheim, as Bremen waited just three minutes to retake the lead.

Peruvian striker Claudio Pizarro, who started despite being an injury doubt, laid the ball into the path of Almeida, who fired home from the edge of the penalty area.

Bremen now advance to the Cup semi-finals, set to be contested on 23 and 24 March.