Takahara puts Frankfurt into semis

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BERLIN, Germany -- Naohiro Takahara struck twice to lead Eintracht Frankfurt through to the semifinals of the German Cup with a 3-0 derby win at Kickers Offenbach.

Frankfurt, who lost to Bayern Munich in the final last season, took an early lead at second division Offenbach with a Michael Fink goal and Japan striker Takahara made it 2-0 with a superb far-post volley in the 61st minute.

Offenbach were forced to take risks and Frankfurt took advantage as Takahara tapped into an empty net at the end of a swift break 11 minutes after his first.

Nuremberg came through a tight all-Bundesliga battle to book their place in the last four, beating Hanover 4-2 on penalties after 120 goalless minutes.

Substitute goalkeeper Daniel Klewer was the Nuremberg hero. Coach Hans Meyer sent Klewer on with a minute to go and the penalty specialist obliged by saving two of the Hanover efforts in the shoot-out.

Wolfsburg won the other all-Bundesliga tie on Tuesday, beating Alemannia Aachen 2-0 thanks to first-half goals from Diego Klimowicz and Marcelinho.

Stuttgart, in second place in the Bundesliga, will look to stay on the trail of a domestic double when they play their quarterfinal at home to Hertha Berlin on Wednesday.

The semifinals will be played from April 17-18, with the final set for May 26 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.

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