Ireland lost to Denmark at home, lost World Cup ticket

Losing 1-5 in the second leg of the play-off, Martin O'Neill and his team's dream of participating in the biggest football tournament on the planet next year was shattered.

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

Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen's hat-trick ended Ireland's hopes of returning to the World Cup after 16 years. The hosts took the lead through Shane Duffy, but Andreas Christensen equalised for Denmark before Eriksen sealed the win with three goals in quick succession. Substitute Nicklas Bendtner scored the winner in the final minute of the second half.

The game opened up early with both teams trading blows. Ireland had the advantage of a 0-0 draw in the first leg and that advantage was reinforced when Duffy headed past Kasper Schmeichel after a poor clearance from Nicolai Joergensen.

Denmark fought back from the goal down. Goalkeeper Darren Randolph saved two shots from William Kvist and Pione Sisto. Ireland responded with Daryl Murphy cutting in and James McClean hitting the post. However, Denmark found an equaliser through Christensen.

Eriksen shows the difference from the class of a star. Photo: Reuters.

Eriksen's superb strike put the Nordics ahead before half-time. There were plenty of chances for both teams early in the second half, but they were all squandered. Ireland took a risk by pushing forward and almost paid the price when Eriksen went into the box alone and fired past Randolph.

But the Tottenham midfielder did not have to wait long for his second goal, Eriksen once again showing his maestro qualities with a delicate left-footed curler from outside the box to extend his side's lead. The 25-year-old then completed his hat-trick by seizing a chance after a half-hearted clearance from Stephen Ward.

Bendtner sealed the score for the visitors in the final minute of the second half with a successful penalty kick. Earlier, the referee judged that James McClean had fouled Bendtner in the penalty area when the former Arsenal striker dribbled in from the left wing.

Denmark is the last European team to qualify for Russia next year. Photo: Reuters.

Ireland have lost just one of their 11 home games against their opponents, and they head into the play-offs with a winning mentality after losing to France in the 2010 World Cup play-offs. What Martin O'Neill lacks, however, is a star player who can make a difference in the big games. Denmark have that, with Eriksen.

Ireland lost their nerve after the second goal, which led to them conceding three goals in quick succession in the second half. Denmark were more proactive but it was their ability to seize good chances that led them to victory.

The result continues a successful year for Danish football. Since the appointment of Age Hareide, they have won five, drawn four and are unbeaten in 2017. This is the fifth time Denmark have qualified for the World Cup and they are the last European side to achieve this feat.

According to VNE