Ireland suffered a crushing defeat to Denmark at home, missing out on a World Cup spot.

A 1-5 defeat in the second leg of the play-off shattered Martin O'Neill's team's dream of participating in the biggest football tournament on the planet next year.

Goals: Duffy 6' - Christensen 29', Eriksen 32', 63', 74', Bendtner 90'

Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen's hat-trick dashed Ireland's hopes of returning to the World Cup after 16 years. The home side took the lead through Shane Duffy, but Andreas Christensen equalized for Denmark before Eriksen sealed the victory with three consecutive goals. Substitute striker Nicklas Bendtner scored the final goal in the second half.

The match started openly with both teams exchanging attacks. Ireland had the advantage after a 0-0 draw in the first leg, and that advantage was further strengthened when Duffy headed the ball into Kasper Schmeichel's net following a poor clearance by Nicolai Joergensen.

Denmark rallied after conceding a goal. Goalkeeper Darren Randolph saved two shots from William Kvist and Pione Sisto. Ireland responded with a curling shot from Daryl Murphy and a shot from James McClean that went wide of the post. However, Denmark found an equalizer through Christensen's tap-in.

Eriksen demonstrated the difference of a true star. Photo: Reuters.

Before the first half ended, Eriksen's superb strike put the Nordic team ahead. Many chances arose for both teams at the start of the second half, but they were all wasted. Ireland took a risk by pushing their lines forward and nearly paid the price when Eriksen, with the ball at his feet, penetrated the penalty area and fired a shot, but Randolph denied him.

But the Tottenham midfielder didn't have to wait long for his second goal. Eriksen once again showcased his maestro qualities with a sublime left-footed curling shot from outside the box to extend his team's lead. Not stopping there, the 25-year-old completed his hat-trick by capitalizing on a half-hearted clearance from Stephen Ward.

In the final minute of the second half, Bendtner sealed the victory for the visitors by successfully converting a penalty. Earlier, the referee ruled that James McClean had fouled Bendtner inside the penalty area as the former Arsenal striker dribbled in from the left wing.

Denmark was the last European team to qualify for the World Cup in Russia next year. Photo: Reuters.

Ireland have lost only one of their 11 previous home matches against Ireland. They enter the play-offs determined to win after their heartbreaking defeat to France in the 2010 World Cup play-offs. However, what Martin O'Neill lacks is a star player who can make a difference in crucial matches. Denmark has that; they possess Eriksen.

Ireland lost their morale after conceding the second goal, leading to them letting in three more goals in the second half. Denmark played more proactively, but their ability to capitalize on opportunities led them to victory.

This result follows a successful year for Danish football. Since appointing coach Age Hareide, they have won five, drawn four, and remained unbeaten in 2017. This is the fifth time Denmark has qualified for the World Cup, and they are the last European representative to achieve this feat.

According to VNE