GAME AT A GLANCE

MAN OF THE MATCH

Christian Eriksen (Denmark)

Cometh the hour. So much had been made of the play-maker in the build up and when his country needed him most, he stepped up. His incredible hat-trick typified his brilliance as he scored for the fourth consecutive away qualifier to bury Ireland.

TALKING POINT

Why do Ireland insist on sitting back when the opposition score early on? They had Denmark on the ropes but rather than push on, they handed the initiative back to the visitors. An age old problem that inevitably came back to haunt them.

MAGIC MOMENT

Take your pick from Eriksen’s stunning hat-trick. His first goal was worthy enough to send any nation to the World Cup. A world class operator at the peak of his powers.

REF WATCH

The Polish official Szymon Marciniak had a quiet evening and let the game flow.

MATCH STATISTICS

SHOTS (ON TARGET) Ireland 12 (3) Denmark 18 (10)

POSSESSION Ireland 43 Denmark 57

COMPLETED PASSES Ireland 244 Denmark 403

FOULS Ireland 12 Denmark 7

YELLOW CARDS Ireland 0 Denmark 0

ATTENDANCE

51,700

WHAT’S NEXT

Denmark head to Russia next summer. For Ireland, the long wait to play at a World Cup goes on.