After getting himself sent home from the World Cup, Nikola Kalinic has now become a laughing stock after his country reached the World Cup final without him.

The striker refused to come on as a substitute in Croatia's first group game, a 2-0 win over Nigeria, and was subsequently sent home by manager Zlatko Dalic.

His decision to place his ego over the country's needs has severely backfired as Croatia reached the World Cup final and proved that it is better to completely eliminate toxicity from the squad.

Nikola Kalinic has been mocked by fans as he will miss World Cup final after being sent home

Croatia striker Kalinic (circled, on the bench vs Nigeria) was sent home after refusing to play

Fans from all countries took to Twitter to mock the player as he is now forced to watch his country battle for their first World Cup from home. One Twitter user warned his followers not to be like Kalinic.

'I want you to meet Nikola Kalinic. He came to the World Cup as part of Croatia's squad. He's a talented striker. He reportedly refused to come in as a sub in the group stage win over Nigeria. He was then sent home as a result. Don't be like Nikola Kalinic.'

Other users tried to cheer each other up, by reminding themselves that no matter how bad things were, they could be worse.

No sooner had Kalinic arrived in Russia, he was sent home, after refusing to come on as a sub

Kalinic really missed the chance to go to the World Cup final because he refused to come on the last 5 minutes against some kit merchants. pic.twitter.com/UwG8fIPlKz — ‏الزبير (@ZizouHuweidi) July 11, 2018

ATTENTION:



I want you to meet Nikola Kalinic. He came to the World Cup as part of Croatia's squad. He's a talented striker. He reportedly refused to come in as a sub in the group stage win over Nigeria.



He was then sent home as a result.



Don't be like Nikola Kalinic. pic.twitter.com/cr8lT4yRRy — Roger Gonzalez (@RGonzalezCBS) July 11, 2018

'Your life could be worse, you could be Nikola Kalinic,' said one person, while another was more sympathetic: 'No matter how bad you feel this morning, at least you're not Croatia’s Kalinic.

'He refused to come on as a late sub against Nigeria, claiming to be 'injured', he was sent home from the World Cup. and now has to watch his country play in a World Cup final from his home.'

After Kalinic was sent home, Croatia went on to win their group in resounding style, beating Argentina 3-0 and Iceland 2-1 to top the group with nine points.

They have also beaten Denmark, Russia and England on their way to the World Cup final, although all three games ended in a draw inside 90 minutes. Croatia will play France on Sunday as they bid to win their first ever World Cup.

That Kalinic story reminds me of that time Matip refused to play for Cameroon, then they won the AFCON. 😂 — mr. ma'am (@TheMaxyNe) July 12, 2018

Your life could be worse, you could be Nikola Kalinic. — Arzim (@aka_X) July 12, 2018