Holders Blackburn Rovers also won their quarterfinal, beating second division Wigan Athletic 2-0, while first division Sheffield United claimed a place in the last four for the first time in their history with a 3-1 home win over Crystal Palace.

The remaining quarterfinal, between Aston Villa and Liverpool, takes place at Villa Park on Wednesday.

Forlan, the forward once derided for his poor goals return, had to wait until the 80th minute for his latest moment of glory.

Chelsea’s Italian striker Gianfranco Zola was caught in possession, allowing David Beckham to play Forlan in.

The 7.5m pounds buy from Independiente advanced on Carlo Cudicini and steered his shot through the Chelsea keeper’s legs for his seventh goal of the season.

Former United striker Andy Cole propelled Blackburn to within touching distance of their second final in succession.

Cole pounced from close range after 16 minutes following good work from Turkish midfielder Tugay.

Two goals in two minutes late on from Paul Peschisolido secured victory for Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Peschisolido, the Canadian striker, scored on 86 and 88 minutes after an 82nd-minute Robert Page own goal had cancelled out United’s first half opener from Carl Asaba.—Reuters