After six consecutive 0-0 draws in World Cup playoff games, the elimination process finally sprung into life on Tuesday evening.

Unfortunately, the Republic of Ireland were on the receiving end of most of the goals, losing 5-1 to Denmark in Dublin.

Shane Duffy had given the hosts a 1-0 lead after just five minutes but after Cyrus Christie scored an unlucky own goal, the tie completely changed.

The man responsible? The finest player on the pitch by some distance, Christian Eriksen.

The Tottenham man was billed as the genuine superstar of the tie and boy didn't he live up to his reputation, tearing the Irish to pieces with one of the finest hat tricks you'll ever see, taking his World Cup qualifying scoring tally to 11.

But, it wasn't just his class in front of goal that proved decisive, it was his all round contribution and movement that had Martin O'Neill's side chasing shadows for 90 minutes.

VIDEO: ERIKSEN ON FIRE

A lot of the talk with regards to Tottenham is about the deadly duo of Harry Kane and Dele Alli, but the underrated Eriksen is arguably their finest player technically.

Few playmakers in the world are at his level and Spurs fans will be hoping he can carry his international form into the north London derby on Saturday lunchtime.

DENMARK BOSS SAYS HE'S IN THE WORLD 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," said Age Hareide.

"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."

High praise that.

ERIKSEN ON MAURICIO POCHETTINO'S INFLUENCE

"He has given stability not only to me but to the whole club," Eriksen told Sky Sports. "That's the main thing for a player.

"You feel comfortable, you feel aware of everything around you and you don't think about anything other than football when you're on the pitch.

"All the players have long-term contracts. They feel safe being here. It's why you commit your future to a place like this."

Still hard to believe he only cost Spurs £11m.