Croatia’s Kalinic sent home after refusing sub role

ROSHCHINO: Croatia striker Nikola Kalinic has been sent home after refusing to come on as a substitute in the team’s opening game against Nigeria, coach Zlatko Dalic said. “During the Nigeria encounter, Kalinic was warming up and was supposed to come on in the second half,” Dalic said. “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 practice on Sunday. I have accepted that, and since I need my players fit and ready to play, I have made this decision.”