Word on the World Cup win is that Nikola Kalinic’s tournament might be over before it’s even begun as Croatia are preparing to send the striker home.
According to Croatian newspaper 24sata, Kalinic refused to come on as a substitute for the last five minutes in the opening game against Nigeria.
Instead, Marko Pjaca replaced Mario Mandzukic in the 86th minute as Croatia comfortably saw out the 2-0 victory.
Head coach Zlatko Dalic subsequently confirmed that there were no injuries within his squad, only a “problem”.
Dalic is now set to call a press conference at 16:15 this afternoon, where it’s highly likely he will confirm that Kalinic will be on the first plane back to the motherland.
Imagine getting to your first World Cup and then reneging on the chance to take part because of a supposed minor twinge (as speculated in the Croatian press) in your back.
Some real wimps populating the game these days. Real wimps.
It’s a World Cup, mate. Play through it.