Remember when It emerged that a member of Croatia's World Cup squad was sensationally 'kicked out' after he refused to come on during their 2-0 victory against Nigeria? Well, he might be regretting his actions after last night's historic result.
Former Blackburn Rovers striker Nikola Kalinic was on the substitutes bench for the fourth consecutive game against the Super Eagles, but it quickly turned sour for the 30-year-old.
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic asked him to come on in the 85th minute, but he straight up refused.
Kalinic reportedly complained about a back problem, according to media outlet 24sata, but it clearly didn't go down very well with the coaching staff.
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Instead, Juventus wide man Marko Pjaca entered the field of play and as we know, Dalic's side went on to win their opening game of the tournament comfortably.
Croatia might have only had one natural number 9. in their squad, Mario Mandzukic, but they have reached the final with a string of impressive, if not close, results.
Kalinic, who currently plays for Fiorentina but spent last season on loan at AC Milan, has been linked with a move away from Italy in recent weeks but these actions could hamper a move.
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Thoughts on the striker's actions against Nigeria?
How devastated would you be to potentially miss out on a World Cup medal because of the above actions.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Football, Croatia, England, World Cup
