The Cottagers’ fairytale run started way back in July last year with a third-qualifying round tie against FK Vetra of Lithuania, and has since carried them through the group stages against Roma to superb performances which knocked out favourites Shakhtar Donetsk and then Italian giants Juventus – but could yet have its finest hour at the HSH Nordbank Arena.

Hodgson has also managed to keep Fulham on track in the Premier League, currently safe in 12th place – a remarkable achievement given the relative resources available to the west London club, so often in the shadow of their illustrious neighbours.

It was, though, no easy ride as a stunning 30-yard free-kick from Mladen Petric put the Germans in control.

However, Hodgson’s side are resilient and fought back to level through a fine finish from Simon Davies, before Zoltan Gera fired in a winner with 17 minutes left to send Fulham to an unlikely, but hugely deserved first European final.

Striker Bobby Zamora – who had been given a pain-killing injection in his troublesome Achilles to be fit to start – had a half-chance during the opening minutes after a one-two with Gera.

However, Hamburg keeper Frank Rost stood up well, before Fulham’s 19-goal striker scuffed the rebound wide.

Brede Hangeland headed over as the home side continued to press.

Hamburg, though, looked dangerous on the break, lead by former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, as the Germans played with more freedom than in the first leg – now under the guidance of former Tottenham skills coach Ricardo Moniz after Bruno Labbadia was sacked.

John Pantsil and then Aaron Hughes both made a timely block as the visitors looked to swing more dangerous balls into the Fulham box.

There was, though, little anyone could do to prevent Hamburg taking the lead on 22 minutes.

Danny Murphy fouled Jose Ze Roberto some 30 yards out, and Petric – whose goal at Wembley in the final match of the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign ended Steve McClaren’s reign as England boss – stepped up to crash a glorious left-foot curling free-kick past Mark Schwarzer and into the top corner to give the Germans a crucial away goal.