Algerian official Djamel Haimoudi will take charge of the match at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador on Tuesday.
Although United States coach Klinsmann respects the decision to appoint the 44-year-old, he admits the Belgians will have a better way of communicating with the referee as they, like the official, speak French.
Klinsmann also pointed out that the US knocked out Haimoudi's country of birth in the 2010 World Cup.
"We hope it's not a concern," Klinsmann told a press conference.
Jurgen Klinsmann has questioned the appointment of a French-speaking referee for the USA's World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium.
"We know that already he did two games very well so we hope he continues that.
"Is it a good theory? No. He is able to speak French with their players on the field and not with us.
"And it's a country that we beat in the last second in the last World Cup.
"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."
FIFA has been contacted about Klinsmann's concerns, but is yet to respond.
Opta facts
- Belgium and USA have met just once before in the World Cup, in what was for both their first World Cup game in 1930. The US ran out 3-0 winners in Montevideo.
- Belgium have won each of their four games since that clash, keeping a clean sheet on three occasions.
- Only Iran (30%) had a lower average possession figure in the group stage than Jurgen Klinsmann's side (39%).
- Only three players (Lionel Messi, Alexis Sanchez and Angel Di Maria) completed more dribbles than Eden Hazard in the group stage (13).
Meanwhile, Belgium's Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has been ruled out of the game due to a hamstring injury.
The Diables Rouges remain hopeful that Vermaelen's fellow centre-back Vincent Kompany will be able to play, despite missing last Thursday's 1-0 Group H win over South Korea with a groin problem.
"We'll take a decision on Kompany on Tuesday and see how he reacts," Belgium coach Marc Wilmots said.
Klinsmann's main injury concern, meanwhile, is to Jozy Altidore. The Sunderland striker has sat out the last two games after suffering a hamstring injury in the Americans' opener against Ghana on June 16.
Altidore will make Klinsmann's match day squad, but he may not start.
"We don't know how many minutes he will play, but he's available," Klinsmann said.
"We worked day and night on him but it's difficult to say how long he can play for."
Wilmots: Speaks to the press in Salvador
The US scraped through a tough group containing Germany, Portugal and Ghana to make it through to the last 16.
Some expected the Americans to finish bottom of their group, but Klinsmann is not content with just making it through to the last 16.
"We came out of a very difficult group. But now we want more," the former Tottenham striker said.
"We are very hungry and focused. We have a lot of respect for Belgium, but we have no fear at all. We want to go far.
"We have a great spirit in our group. It feels like we are just getting started. It's not like we have been here for six weeks.
"We are positive. There is a good team spirit. We are hungry for more and we want to prove that tomorrow night.
"I am confident that if every player plays to his limits we will have a positive outcome."
Charlie Nicholas' prediction
Belgium... haven't really clicked. There's no real formation or identity or adaptability... I feel it goes to extra-time. Once into the extra half-hour, I think the USA will nick it, because their athleticism and determination will shine through.
Post a Comment