- Ireland crashed out of the World Cup playoffs in torrid style
- Christian Eriksen hat-trick seals World Cup place for Denmark
- Ireland haven’t qualified since 2002
- SEE MORE: Germany 2-2 France player ratings, stats and reaction: Arsenal duo take centre stage as Man United ace proves worth
Spurs star Christian Eriksen bagged a sublime hat-trick tonight as Denmark crushed Republic of Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for the World Cup.
The home side took the lead through Shane Duffy, however two quick-fire goals from Eriksen and an own goal from Cyrus Christie gave the away side a half-time lead.
Two second half goals from the Tottenham talisman, as well as a penalty from Nicklas Bendtner sees the Boys in Green fail to qualify for their fourth consecutive World Cup.
Man of the Match
Spurs’ Eriksen took every single plaudit tonight, as the midfielder scored an absolutely superb treble to send his side into the World Cup.
All three of the Dane’s strikes were out of this world, with his second being the best of the bunch.
This tweet sums up just how good the player was this evening
Christian Eriksen take a bow. Hat trick and a wonderful performance in one of Denmark's most important games ever. World class.
— EiF (@EiFsoccer) November 14, 2017
Stat of the Match
This stat shows just how good the Spurs stalwart has been for Denmark these past few years
Christian Eriksen has now scored 11 goals & assisted 3 for Denmark in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
Crazy numbers. pic.twitter.com/kneADj9GQx
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) November 14, 2017
Player Ratings
Ireland: Randolph 5, Christie 5, Duffy 7 Clark 6, Ward 5m Meyler 6, Arter 6, Brady 6, Hendrick 6, McClean 6, Murphy 6 / Subs: Long 6, Hoolahan 6, McGeady 6
Denmark: Schmeichel 6, Larsen 6, Bjelland 7, Kjaer 7, Christensen 7, Delaney 7, Kvist 7, Sisto 7, Eriksen 9, Poulsen 6, Jorgensen 7 / Subs: Cornelius 6, Ankersen 6, Bendtner 7
Reaction
On the social media front, it was all praise for Spurs’ talisman tonight, with some of football’s biggest names even getting in on the act
Only Robert Lewandowski (16) and Cristiano Ronaldo (15) have scored more goals than Christian Eriksen (11) in UEFA qualifying. Astonishing effort from attacking midfield.
— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) November 14, 2017
A hat-trick for the excellent Eriksen. One outstanding player the difference between the sides.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 14, 2017
Christian Eriksen is a superstar. 3 goals so far, still 15 mins to go #IREDEN #4-1
— Peter Schmeichel (@Pschmeichel1) November 14, 2017
Eriksen has 11 goals in 12 qualifying games for a limited Denmark team from midfield and got three assists too. Absurd.
— Oliver Young-Myles (@OMyles90) November 14, 2017