Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic has sent striker Nikola Kalinic home from the World Cup in disgrace.
The Vatreni won their opening match on Saturday night, defeating Nigeria 2-0.
Kalinic, the AC Milan striker who once upon a time represented Blackburn Rovers, was a substitute during the encounter.
It was the fourth successive international fixture where he had been left on the bench.
But asked to come on in the 85th minute, it’s claimed 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 Kalinic's subsequent exit means Croatia have just Mario Mandzukic left within their squad as an out-and-out No.9.
The Croatian FA have yet to comment but are expected to confirm Kalinic’s expulsion at a press conference later on Monday.
The AC Milan striker, once on the books of Blackburn Rovers, has scored 15 goals in 41 appearances for his national team.
He has been left on the bench for their last four games, and is said to have been left upset by his failure to make the starting XI against Nigeria.
Croatia won their opening match of the 2018 World Cup 2-0, with an own goal from Oghenekaro Etebo and a Luka Modric penalty ensuring the 1998 semi-finalists top Group D after the first round of fixtures.
0 Comments