Croatia expelled a player for refusing to play in Russia 2018
The midfielder Mateo Kovačić closed ranks around the current Croatian team and criticized the attitude of his teammate Nikola Kalinić, who was expelled from the Balkan concentration for refusing to play the last five minutes of the game against Nigeria.
"We all have to put our egos aside. We are representing a country. We must be united. Not everyone can play and we must respect the coach's decisions," said the Real Madrid player, who was a substitute against Nigeria.
"It is an honor for me to be here. It doesn't matter if I want to play or be on the bench," added Kovačić.
Croatia, once the setback caused by Kalinić, who arrived in his country on Tuesday, was solved, is already thinking about Argentina, who could not defeat Iceland in their first match of the group stage.
"We have great midfielders, strong and in various positions. A great team that does not have to fear any opponent. Argentina has great players besides Messi and we respect them. But we have to think only about ourselves, not others," said the Real Madrid player.
"We have quality and we have already shown it against Brazil. We have seen that we can face the best team. We are ready and motivated for the match," said Kovačić. (EFE)
