Striker Nikola Kalinic was dropped from Croatia’s World Cup team after he refused to enter the game against Nigeria as a substitute.
Coach Zlatko Dalic made the move afterthe 2-0 win on Saturday night. Kalinic, 30, had been a starter when Croatia won its playoff series to qualify for the finals and has 15 goals in 42 matches for Croatia but he lost his starting jobafter a poor season at AC Milan.
“During the Nigeria encounter, Kalinic was warming up and was supposed to come on in the second half,” Dalic said in a statement.“However, he then stated that he wasn’t ready to come on due to a back issue. The same thing happened during the Brazil friendly in England, as well as before the practice session onSunday. I have calmly accepted that, and since I need my players fit and ready to play, I have made this decision.”
Even if Kalinic is indeed hurt, he can’t be replaced since thetournament has started.
Good for you coach!!!