The Republic of Ireland’s World Cup dream was torn asunder by Christian Eriksen and Denmark on a dark night in Dublin.
Republic of Ireland 1 Denmark 5
Eriksen netted a hat-trick as Denmark crushed Martin O’Neill’s men on a forgettable Ballsbridge night.
For a few glorious moments, it had been so different.
A scoreless draw on Saturday in Copenhagen set up a tantalising contest and Irish supporters were daring to dream as Shane Duffy headed the Boys in Green into a sixth minute lead.
Duffy, whose father Brian is from Letterkenny and whose mother Siobhan is from Raphoe, struck gold and a deafening roar thundered into the crisp Dublin air.
Duffy rose magnificently after Nicolai Jorgensen made a hash of an attempted clearance.
Rarely has the Aviva been as electric as it was for a time when, after a stirring rendition of Amhrán na bhFiann, Russia seemed possible.
Instead, Ireland will have a watching brief for next summer’s tournament.
Denmark struck twice in three minutes around the half-hour mark to turn the tie on its head.
First, Andreas Christensen levelled and then Eriksen shot Denmark ahead.
Darren Randolph had kept Ireland’s sheet clean with saves from Thomas Delaney and Pione Sisto.
Erikson deliciously curled past Randolph on 63 minutes and punished Ireland even further to complete his treble in front of the Danish hoarded behind the goal.
Nicklas Bendtner, for good measure, converted a late penalty.
By then, the stadium had long since emptied and was eerie in comparison to the earlier fervour.