Nikola Kalinic withdrawn from Croatia's World Cup Squad for Refusing to Come On vs Nigeria
Croatia national team coach, Zlatko Dalic has sent home striker Nikola Kalinic from the World Cup squad in disgrace following a directive from the Croatian Football Association.
The Croatians who won their opening match on Saturday night, defeating Nigeria 2-0 had AC Milan striker Kalinic as a substitute during this game for a fourth successive international game without game play.
He was then asked to come on as a substitute in the 85th minute and according to reports, it’s claimed that Kalinic complained of a back problem and refused to enter the fray - something which didn’t convince his manager.
Marko Pjaca, nominally a wide player, came on instead and after several investigations into the scenario, coach Dalic confirmed to the Croation FA that Kalinic stubbornly refused to come on sighting little game play time.
His exit means Croatia have just Mario Mandzukic left within their squad as an out-and-out No.9.
