Klinsmann questions Algeria ref for USA's Belgium game

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Klinsmann questions Algeria ref for USA's Belgium game

United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann on Monday questioned the validity of appointing a referee from Algeria for his team's World Cup last 16 clash with Belgium.

"This Algerian referee (Djamel Haimoudi) is able to speak French with their (Belgium) players on the field and not with us," the German told a press conference on the eve of Tuesday's game in Salvador.

"And it's a country (Algeria) that we beat in the last second in the last World Cup," added Klinsmann, who was not coach then and took over in 2011 from Bob Bradley.

"I understand it's difficult for FIFA to choose the right referees for the right games and it has always been tricky for FIFA, but it is what it is.

"We give it the benefit of the doubt, we respect the decision and hope that everything goes well."

His Belgian counterpart Marc Wilmots had little sympathy for Klinsmann's concerns.

"I could also complain about this appointment because we beat Algeria in the group stage," said the 45-year-old.

"I don't want to get involved in this type of game. In any case I don't speak to referees.

"Overall I think at these finals they have done a good job. (Howard) Webb was outstanding in the Brazil v Chile last 16 game."

The 43-year-old Haimoudi has already taken charge of Australia's 3-2 defeat to the Netherlands on June 18 and the goalless draw between Costa Rica and England six days later.

We hope it's not a concern," Klinsmann stated.

"We know that already he did two games very well so we hope he continues that tomorrow."

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-07-01

[stevenl]

If FIFA appointed a South American referee the USA players could talk to him in Spanish.

Stop moaning Jurgen and get on with the game.

[Travel2003]

If FIFA appointed a South American referee the USA players could talk to him in Spanish.

Stop moaning Jurgen and get on with the game.

Believe there are quite a lot of German speaking players on the USA team.

Anyhow, I agree it is an idiot remark from Klinsman: "We give it the benefit of the doubt, we respect the decision and hope that everything goes well".

[hanno]

What a stupid remark! Just laying the groundwork in case of a loss: it was because of the Algerian, French-speaking, referee........

[Travel2003]

Yep.

If Germany had thrashed USA in their group game, USA had not gone through.

A Germany conspiracy?

Oh well, to use Klinsmann's words : We give it the benefit of the doubt,

[bigbamboo]

Having officials who can't understand you can work both ways. Beckham got sent off playing for Real Madrid for calling the ref a 'son of a whore' in Spain because the only Spanish he knew were swear words! How dumb is that.

If the Yanks stick to Mericun slang they should be alright.