End of the road for Republic as World Cup bid comes to a grinding halt
Martin O'Neill's side suffer heavey defeat by Danes in Dublin
Republic dreams of a first World Cup finals in 16 years, were shattered last night in Dublin after a shocking 5-1 defeat to Denmark.
It all went horribly wrong for Martin O’Neill’s side at the Aviva stadium.
After holding the Danes to a scoreless draw in Copenhagen, the Republic were humiliated at home to a side that were superb in every department.
A hat-trick from man-of-the-match Christian Eriksen helped seal a memorable win.
O’Neill is apparently now intending to speak to the FAI about his future – despite signing a new contract recently.
He has been for a perceived negative approach in the first leg, but he saw a more expansive approach cost his side dearly on Tuesday after they had taken an early lead.
He said: “I'm really disappointed, obviously, we were well beaten in the end. We got off to a really good start and had a chance maybe to make it 2-0 and we probably needed that.
“`But the two goals we conceded in a couple of minutes knocked us for six.''
O'Neill and his coaching team have verbally agreed contract extensions with the Football Association of Ireland, with their existing deals effectively expired.
But asked if the result would have any effect on his immediate future, O'Neill said: Do you know what, I'll have to have a real think about it.
The disappointment obviously is very, very strong tonight because we haven't been able to do it, but I have to commend the players on getting this far.''
Meanwhile, Denmark boss Age Hareide said Eriksen is only going to get better.
Asked after the game if he could be considered as one of the current best 10 players in world football, coach Hareide said: Yes, absolutely in the top 10.
It's difficult to rank, but we saw (in Tottenham's Champions League matches) against Real Madrid he is probably one of the best players in his position in Europe at the moment.
Ronaldo, Messi and some strikers are playing as forwards. Christian is more a wide man or a central midfield player. He has this capability of scoring goals, making assists, finding space, so, definitely top 10.
He's in a team now at Tottenham which wants to play football. They play football - we saw against Real Madrid that it suits him very well to play there.
He has good players to play with, he has a good manager and I think he is enjoying his time at Tottenham at the moment.''
Ireland got off to the perfect start when defender Shane Duffy headed them into a sixth-minute lead, but Cyrus Christie's own goal and the first of Eriksen's treble inside three minutes turned the game on its head.
The Spurs player helped himself to two more after the break before substitute Nicklas Bendtner sealed an emphatic win with a last-minute penalty