Eriksen breaks Irish hearts as Denmark reaches World Cup

A night that started off with so much promise for the Irish ended with yet more heartbreak.

Christian Eriksen inspired Denmark to a 5-1 win over the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday, his spectacular hat-trick ensuring his country will participate in a fifth World Cup.

Shane Duffy sent the Bhoys in Green into a mad frenzy shortly after kickoff, but the delirium wore off quickly. Eriksen and his Danish teammates pounced on the host's sloppy mistakes, turning a close contest into a drubbing.

An own goal by Cyrus Christie in the 29th minute set the Danish revolution in motion. Eriksen scored the next three and substitute Nicklas Bendtner converted a late penalty to cement a landmark victory.

Ireland has now failed to qualify for the past four World Cups.