"Germany hope their plan to stop Cristiano Ronaldo when they take on Portugal in Thursday's quarter-final in Basle does not backfire.
Joachim Low's side, who have progressed to the last eight of the European Championships for the first time since 1996, know their chances of reaching the semi-finals depend on whether they can stop the Manchester United winger.
"We have a special plan but I cannot reveal anything," said Oliver Bierhoff, former Germany striker and current national team general manager.
Ronaldo, who won the European Golden Shoe after becoming the continent's top scorer this season, will lead Portugal at the St Jakob-Park Stadium.
The 23-year-old made sure his team qualified for the quarter-finals as Group A winners having scored one goal and set up two more in their 3-1 triumph against the Czech Republic.
To make matters worse for Germany, Ronaldo was rested in Portugal's last group game and will be eager to add to his tally.
"Ronaldo is the best player in the world," admitted Bierhoff.
"You can never stop him for 90 minutes even though you can ask defenders and midfielders to keep a close eye on him.
"We can't expect one or two players to stop him so it has to be the group as a whole that needs to confront him."
However, Bierhoff admitted the Ronaldo factor could pose a dilemma to his players as focusing too much on the United winger could cost his team dearly."
Ben eens benieuwd naar het masterplan