BERLIN, Aug 2 (SW) - Werder Bremen defeated Hamburger SV 2-1 last night, securing a spot in the German League Cup final.

An early second-half strike by Hamburg’s new signee Boubacar Sanogo was made good 15 minutes later by Bremen's Egyptian startlet Mohamed Zidan.

Down to ten men following a red card to midfielder Nigel de Jong, Hamburg fought hard, but a late goal by Germany midfielder Torsten Frings proved the difference.

Bremen now face either Bayern Munich or Schalke who play on Wednesday in the final of the pre-season tournament which pits the top six teams from the previous season against one another.