Morroco coach Herve Renard has admitted that he is struggling for a plan to contain Cristiano Ronaldo.

The in-form striker scored the 51st hat-trick of his career as Portugal and Spain played out a 3-3 draw in their opening group game at the World Cup.

Morocco, who lost 1-0 to Iran after a 95th-minute own goal, face an early exit in their first finals appearance since 1998 unless they avoid defeat against the European champions on Wednesday.

He told L’Equipe: “Those who try to mount a plan against him, he always manages to find something to make the difference.

“He’s an exceptional player. The word may not even be strong enough, but we must do everything to make it less exceptional.

“If we put three (players) on Ronaldo, they have so much offensive quality.

“If it only happens once in our lives to play Cristiano Ronaldo, you have to be the best you can.”