USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann has questioned the refereeing appointment for their World Cup knockout tie with Belgium.
Djamel Haimoudi, 44, will take charge of the USA's clash against Belgium in Salvador on Tuesday.
Although Klinsmann respects the decision to appoint Haimoudi, the USA coach 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. "We know that already he did two games very well so we hope he continues that tomorrow.
"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."
