Bayern, Monchengladbach, Fuerth in German Cup semis

Venezuela Star (IANS) Thursday 9th February, 2012

Bayern Munich had no problems overcoming a clumsy Stuttgart 2-0, Monchengladbach wrapped up a controversial win and second division Greuther Fuerth clinched a sensational 1-0 win over struggling Hoffenheim in the German Cup football quarterfinals.

German record champions Bayern Munich were flawless against Stuttgart Wednesday.

Bayern opened the scoring through Frenchman midfielder Franck Ribery in the 30th minute as he netted a diagonal pass from inside the penalty area. One minute into second half, Bayern top striker Mario Gomez doubled the lead against Stuttgart with a follow up shot.

It is the third time in a row that Bayern advanced into semifinals of the tournament.

Monchengladbach sealed their semifinal berth with a 2-0 win over Berlin, Xinhua reported.

Both sides staged an unexciting display of football for 90 minutes, leading to extra time.

In the 101st minute, referee Felix Brych rewarded Igor de Camargos after a violent tackle by Berlin defender Roman Hubnik, who got a red card.

Monchengladbach defender Filip Daems converted the penalty into the top right to open the scoring.

Just before end of extra time, defender Oscar Wendt sealed the deal against 10-man Berlin when he took an assist to make it 2-0 in front of 47,465 spectators at Berlin Olympia stadium.

Greuther Fuerth shocked 10-man Hoffenheim with a neat 1-0 win to complete the semifinal line-up.

Hoffenheim defender Marvin Compper was responsible for the negative highlight of the match when he weakened his side, after a violent conduct against Fuerth midfielder Stephan Fuerstner in the 36th minute.

Greuther Fuerth was able to turn the advantage into a tangible reward when striker Olivier Occean slotted home the winner in the 44th minute.

Borussia Dortmund was the first team to reach the last four Tuesday.