Will Croatia Striker Who Refused To Play Against Nigeria Receive World Cup Medal?

Published: July 16, 2018

AC Milan striker Nikola Kalinić may get a World Cup medal even though he was not on the bench in Croatia's last six games at the 2018 World Cup.

The 30-year-old was sent home from the World Cup after refusing to come on as a substitute in Croatia's 2-0 victory over Nigeria on June 16, manager Dalic had asked Kalinic to replace Mario Mandžukić with five minutes left on the clock but he refused, saying he has a back injury.

The Croatian team finished second at the World Cup, losing 4-2 to France in the showpiece match on Sunday, and Fifa presented fifty silver medals to the runners-up.

The Rules of the World Cup does not indicate to whom exactly the medals should be handed out to.

"Let's see. The players will decide," Croatia National Team's media officer Tomislav Pacak told ESPN Brasil.

An own goal from Oghenekaro Etebo and a Luka Modric penalty gave Croatia a 2-0 win over Nigeria at the Kaliningrad Stadium.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : hns-cff.hr