DUBLIN: A superb hat-trick from Christian Eriksen saw Denmark cruise through to the World Cup at the Republic of Ireland’s expense.

A goalless first leg had given Ireland increased hope of reaching next summer’s finals in Russia but they were swept aside 5-1 by a clinical Denmark side led superbly by the talismanic Eriksen.

Ireland were dreaming of Russia when Shane Duffy headed them into an early lead, but Denmark were back on terms when Cyrus Christie inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net after it cannoned off the post.

That put Denmark ahead on away goals, and minutes later Ireland’s task got harder still when Eriksen provided an inch-perfect curling finish to a sweeping counter-attack.

He curled in his second and Denmark’s third with his left foot before thrashing home to complete the hat-trick when Ireland failed to clear their lines.

Nicklas Bendtner rounded off the scoring with a late penalty to compound Ireland’s misery.

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