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Coventry stun Wolves to reach first FA Cup semi-final since 1987

Coventry scored twice deep into stoppage time to stun Wolves 3-2 at Molineux and reach the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since they won the competition in 1987.

The Championship side looked to have blown their chance to reach Wembley when Wolves themselves scored twice in the final seven minutes of the 90.

However, Ellis Simms’ second goal of the match levelled in the 97th minute before he teed up Hagi Wright to fire into the corner three minutes later.

The home side were without all of Gary O’Neil’s preferred front three of Pedro Neto, Hwang Hee-chan and Matheus Cunha due to injury.

And it was Coventry who created the vast majority of the chances.

Simms had missed an incredible opportunity in the first half when he miscued with the goal gaping.

But the former Everton striker has now scored 10 goals in his last eight games after his controversial opener stood.

The ball rebounded off Simms from Liam Kitching’s header across goal eight minutes into the second half and was allowed to stand despite a check for handball against the Coventry frontman.

Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa then crucially kept his side in the tie with a string of vital saves, while Kasey Palmer should have scored when he curled inches wide.

It looked like the Sky Blues would be made to regret those missed chances when Rayan Ait-Nouri pounced on an error from Joel Latibeaudiere to smash home the equaliser.

Ait-Nouri then set up his fellow left-back Hugo Bueno to fire into the bottom corner for his first senior goal.

Yet, the drama did not end there as Bobby Thomas’ flick on found Simms unmarked to bullet in a header.

Just as both sides were preparing for an extra 30 minutes, Coventry then struck in the 100th minute to snatch victory.

Simms again played a big part as he picked out Wright at the edge of the box and the American international curled an unstoppable effort into the far corner.

A founder member of the Premier League, Coventry sank from the top down to the fourth tier of English football as recently as the 2017/18 season.

But they have achieved two promotions under Mark Robins and narrowly missed out on a return to the Premier League last season, losing the Championship playoff final to Luton on penalties.

Wembley awaits once more in the last four potentially against the likes of Manchester City or Liverpool.

City continue their quest for another treble in their FA Cup quarter-final at home to Newcastle later on Saturday.

Liverpool travel to Manchester United and Chelsea host Leicester in the other quarter-final ties on Sunday.

 

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World Cup 202628 minutes ago

**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.

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