Cup semis call for German hopefuls

Eintracht Frankfurt and Bundesliga high-fliers 1. FC Nürnberg are among the sides dreaming of Europe as they contest this week's German Cup semi-finals.

Frankfurt feat
Friedhelm Funkel's Eintracht took the German Cup route into continental competition last season, earning a UEFA Cup slot despite losing 1-0 to champions FC Bayern München in the final. It was no small feat for a club in their first campaign back in the Bundesliga.

Second chance
With their relegation worries receding, Funkel's men would love to have a second crack at the final, to be held in Berlin on 26 May, as they visit Nürnberg for Tuesday's first semi-final. "We want with all our hearts to reach the final in Berlin," said Funkel. "This is always a highlight of the season." However, Nürnberg will be no pushovers. Defying expectations, Hans Meyer's team are fifth in the table and on target to go into Europe for the first time since succumbing to AS Roma in the 1988/89 UEFA Cup first round. "It is a very important match - especially for the boys," said Meyer.

Niggardly Nürnberg
Three-time winners Nürnberg last reached the cup final in 1981/82, going down 4-2 to Bayern, yet it would be hard to imagine the current side shipping as many goals. Meyer presides over the meanest defence in the Bundesliga, with just 26 goals conceded in 29 games. Nürnberg could also make the UEFA Cup via the league, of course - with the teams in fourth and fifth positions qualifying - and have a vital trip to sixth-placed Bayer 04 Leverkusen on Saturday.

Stuttgart on song
The second semi-final on Wednesday takes VfB Stuttgart to VfL Wolfsburg. Armin Veh's Stuttgart can welcome midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger back from injury, although a shortage of strikers may be their problem. Saturday's 2-1 home victory over Hannover 96 came despite Veh fielding only one forward, Brazilian Cacau. A glance at the Bundesliga, however, confirms third-placed Stuttgart as favourites to overcome the hosts, who lie tenth. The Swabians' bid for Europe will then continue on Saturday with a match against FC Bayern München that could yet hold the key to UEFA Champions League qualification.