Spain coach Vicente del Bosque believes that Portugal star player Cristiano Ronaldo is ‘unique’, as they prepare to meet with fellow Iberians on Wednesday.

The Real Madrid attacker scored twice as his side came from behind against Netherlands to confirm their place in the qualifying round, and struck with a 1-0 win over Czech Republic in the last eight, setting up a tie with Spain.

Del Bosque admits that Ronaldo represents a possible failure for them, but claims the threat can be neutralized as long as he is marked properly.

"Portugal have very strong and powerful players at the back, and two full-backs who incorporate in the attacking play," he told radio station Onda Cero.

“They don't need a lot of play because on a counterattack they can send a long ball to Ronaldo. It's obvious that Cristiano is unique - there is nobody like him.

"I would like us to stay on top of him with our marking, not let him play, and for other players to help out and be vigilant in case they win the ball back, so they don't have lots of space [to attack]."

Midfielders Sergio Busquets and Xavi believe they are capable of neutralizing the threat. The Barcelona duo is well-aware of the forward's capabilities to attack and dominate. However, they are pretty much confident that they have the ability and personnel to render the Seleccao star player worthless.

"It's not Barcelona versus Madrid, it's Spain versus Portugal," Busquets told Marca. "And we all know what a great player Cristiano is.

"He will mostly be in the zone defended by Alvaro [Arbeloa] and Alvaro knows him better than anyone [they are Madrid team-mates]. But to stop a player of this kind you need the whole team to work."

Xavi believes he and his cohorts can limit the space the former World Player of the Year has to operate in, therefore making him unable to maneuver and execute.

"We will have to be very attentive." Xavi said. "We will try to cover as well, [to] make Cristiano uncomfortable and not allow him to turn."