Republic of Ireland 1 Denmark 5

After a tense 0-0 draw in the first leg of the qualification playoff in Denmark, the return proved a much more open contest – but the Danes produced a clinical performance to secure their flights to Russia.

The Republic led within six minutes through a Shane Duffy header, but Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen scrambled home an equaliser just before the half-hour and Denmark were ruthless thereafter. Playmaker Christian Eriksen (above) put his team in front with an outstanding finish just three minutes later, and in the second half consistently found himself with time and space to pull the Irish defence apart. The Tottenham midfielder’s superb curled shot just past the hour extended the Danes’ lead, and by the time he lashed home his third 10 minutes later the tie was over.

The rout was completed in the final minutes when substitute Nicklas Bendtner, sadly an injury absentee in Russia, converted a penalty he himself had won. Denmark were deservedly at their fifth World Cup.

Star performers

Christian Eriksen

Attacking midfielder, 26, Tottenham Hotspur

Without a doubt, Eriksen is Denmark’s key player. The creative playmaker was his country’s top scorer in qualifying, with 11, and is crucial to how his side look to create goalscoring opportunities. Well known for his pinpoint passing and deadly delivery, Eriksen can pose a threat to any opposition.

The Tottenham midfielder made his debut for the national side as a teenager in 2010, while he was playing his club football for Ajax. After three years in the first team at the famous Dutch club, Eriksen made the switch to north London, where he has become one of Mauricio Pochettino’s key players. Still only 26, he has scored more than 20 goals – including the aforementioned decisive hat-trick against Ireland – in almost 80 appearances for his country.

In Russia, we can expect to see Eriksen play every minute of every game for Denmark. He will drift into positions between the lines, even when his team are out of possession so that they can find him quickly upon regain. This is a player who, given time and space, can damage even the strongest defence.

Simon Kjaer

Centre-back, 29, Sevilla

The Danish captain (below, left) is a vital part of the side who featured in every game during the qualification campaign, including the two playoff games against the Republic of Ireland. He is a strong defender who also possesses excellent vision and has the passing range to help Denmark build attacks from deep positions.

Kjaer began his professional career at FC Midtjylland more than a decade ago but has since plied his trade in Italy (Palermo and Roma), Germany (Wolfsburg), France (Lille) and Turkey (Fenerbahce). He heads for the World Cup on the back of a first season in La Liga with Sevilla.

The central defender has made more than 70 appearances for his country since making his debut in a 1-0 win over Sweden in 2009, and is a natural leader at the heart of the defence. The team’s preferred ball-carrier from a deep build, he forms part of a strong Denmark spine that also includes goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and playmaker Eriksen.