Olsen seeks upset win over ´favourites´ Germany

Denmark manager Morten Olsen believes Germany have lived up to their tag as Euro 2012 favourites ahead of their Group B clash on Sunday.

The Germans need just a point to claim top spot in the group after winning their opening two games, but for Olsen’s men qualification is less certain, after they followed up beating the Netherlands by losing to Portugal.

A draw or a win could be enough for the Danes depending on the result between the other two sides, and Olsen is wary of the threat Joachim Loew’s team will pose after their impressive start.

“We look forward to the game,” Olsen said. “It is a group which beforehand people said is for great teams, and I think the games thus far have shown that.

“Germany have lived up to their position not only as favourites in the group stage, but to win (the European Championships). They’ve shown this not only in their results but in their playing style.

“We need three points, and that will make the test slightly more complicated. We know we need to go there and get some points and we know it will be difficult against such a strong team. They are not only effective, but they also have style.”

For all their qualities, Germany are yet to defeat Denmark in three meetings since Olsen took over in 2000, losing twice and drawing once.

But the Danish manager does not believe this will give his team an advantage in the upcoming fixture, insisting that it will come down to whoever performs better on the day.

“(The previous results) were against another team. This competition is about form on the day. It (Denmark’s record against Germany) is not important,” he said.

“I am absolutely sure that Germany will not underestimate us. They know that we have a team that on our day can contend with anyone.”