One of the goalscorers in Croatia’s play-offs win over Greece was Nikola Kalinic. The striker played a major role in ensuring the qualification for Croatia but has played no role in Croatia’s World Cup journey. And it’s not because of injury or exclusion, but because he failed to carry on the instructions of the coach.
Kalinic refused to come on as a substitute during the 2-0 win over Nigeria in their opening match of the tournament. The act of indiscipline didn’t go down well with Dalic, who ordered the striker to leave the Croatian camp.
The World Cup finalists were not allowed to bring in a replacement and have been forced to make do with 22 players.
Assistant coach and former striker Ivica Olic replaced Kalinic during the training sessions of the team.
Now that Croatia have qualified for the final, Kalinic has become butt of jokes on twitter with many calling him the unluckiest player of the tournament.