Jurgen Klinsmann hasn't shied away from taking the hard stance ever since he selected this United States Men’s National Team roster and declared the World Cup impossible to win. Now Klinsmann voiced his criticism of FIFA for assigning an Algerian referee to Tuesday’s game considering the official could be biased toward Belgium.
Klinsmann cited the history between the United States and Algeria when hinting that he is slightly concerned about the referee choice and he hopes it isn't a problem.
"Is it a good feeling? No, because he's coming from the same group as Belgium and Algeria — which deserves a huge compliment for going through to the next round. He's able to speak French with their players on the field, not with us. And it's the country that we beat in the last second in the last World Cup. So sometimes I don't understand FIFA. It's difficult obviously to choose the right referees for the right games and it's always been kind of tricky for FIFA, but it is what it is.”
Klinsmann wasn't completely critical of Djamel Haimoudi and believes the official has done a fantastic job through the group stage.
“We hope it's not a concern. We know that he did already two games so far and he did them very well. We wish that he continues his refereeing the perfect way he's done so far.”
USSF president and FIFA exco member Sunil Gulati acknowledged the situation and called it “awkward”, but that there will be no changes. Haimoudi is known to be quick on the whistle and a bit of a disciplinarian and the 13-year veteran has called three World Cup games to date.
The United States will take on Belgium Tuesday at 4:00PM EST in the round of 16 matchup on ESPN.
[ESPN]
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