A superb late strike from substitute Hugo Almeida gave holders Werder Bremen a 2-1 win over Hoffenheim and a place in the semi-finals of the German Cup on Tuesday.

GettyImagesBremen's players celebrate their winner

Brazilian defender Naldo put Werder ahead in the 27th minute when he scored with a curling 30-metre shot following a cleverly-worked free kick.

Although the game was often scrappy, it came to life after both teams made key substitutions in the 71st minute, Hoffenheim bringing on Prince Tagoe and Almeida entering the fray for the hosts. Both players hit the target within five minutes.

Ghana striker Tagoe, who has made only one Bundesliga appearance all season, needed only 90 seconds to make his mark, scoring with a near post header from Christian Eichner's well-delivered cross after escaping the attention of three home defenders.

But Werder regained the lead three minutes later when Almeida scored with a rising 25-metre shot after being sent clear of the defence by Claudio Pizarro's pass. The remaining three quarter-finals will be played on Wednesday.