Footballer Nikola Pokrivac dies aged 39 after tragic four-car crash

Former Croatia international Nikola Pokrivac has died at the age of 39 following a tragic car crash in Karlovac on Friday. The midfielder was involved in a multi-vehicle collision that claimed two lives, including his own. In the accident that saw four vehicles collide, Pokrivac, along with three of his NK Vojnic team-mates, were gravely affected - with two team members now battling critical injuries.

The devastating news prompted an outpouring of grief from the Croatian Football Federation (HNS), which lamented in a statement: "It is impossible to find words of comfort in such a shocking and unimaginably sad moment when we have lost a young life." HNS president Marijan Kustic said: "I can only express my deepest condolences to Nikola's family and loved ones for this irreparable loss, and the HNS and the Croatian football family will be with them in these most difficult moments."

Pokrivac, remembered for his stint with Dinamo Zagreb, earned 15 caps for the Croatian national team earning between 2008 and 2010. His career highlights include playing for Ligue 1's Monaco and Austria's RB Salzburg.

Gaining his first international nod in 2008, Pokrivac wore the Croatian colours last in a friendly encounter against Norway in October 2010. He was also part of the memorable Croatian side at Euro 2008 that triumphed over Germany in the group stages, though they bowed out in the quarter-finals.

The midfielder also featured in a 5-1 loss to England at Wembley prior to the 2010 World Cup. Throughout his career, he clinched the Croatian title multiple times with Dinamo Zagreb and also secured the Austrian title during his stint in Salzburg.