Miika Koppinen
Encyclopedia
Miika Johannes Koppinen (born 5 July 1978 in Kokkola
) is a Finnish
footballer playing as a central defender for Norwegian
club Tromsø IL.
Koppinen has formerly played for Norwegian giants, Rosenborg BK and the Finland national football team
.
in his home town of Kokkola
. He made his debut for KPV in 1998 at 16 years of age, before moving to second division side FF Jaro
in 1999. The club managed to reach the final of the Suomen Cup
, before losing 2-1 to FC Jokerit
.
. Tromsø responded quickly though and got back to the top-flight after one season. Two more seasons followed at Tromsø before securing a move to Norwegian giants Rosenborg on a free transfer.
appearances to only six games. He got himself back at the end of the season, also playing for his side during the group stages of the Champions League
. A disappointing season saw Rosenborg in seventh place, the worst league position for decades.
In 2006 Koppinen helped Rosenborg win the Premier League, playing sixteen games. In the penultimate match of the Norwegian Premier League 2006
, Koppinen notably set up Rosenborg's deciding third goal against Viking F.K.
by grabbing Viking's goalkeeper Mattias Asper
's elbow, causing him to drop the ball. At the time, it seemed likely that the goal would lead to relegation for Viking. In post-match interviews, Koppinen initially denied any wrongdoing, although he later apologised when faced with video evidence.
The following season in 2007 was yet another difficult season for his side, which resulted in only a fifth place finish. On 18 September 2007 he scored for Rosenborg in a Champions League
game at Stamford Bridge
in a shock 1-1 draw against Chelsea F.C.
. In 2000, he made his debut for the full national side
in a game against Norway
.
He played a total of twenty games for Finland before stepping down in 2006, citing personal reasons. However four years lates, in October 2010, he returned to national team to play in UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
match against Hungary
.
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and has two children. He is fluent in Norwegian. Koppinen has over the years graduated as a coach and will probably be taking his final courses over the next couple of years, as he is interested in becoming a coach once his career is finished.
Kokkola
Kokkola is a town and municipality of Finland.The town is located in the province of Western Finland and is part of the Central Ostrobothnia region. The town has a population of and covers an area of of which is water. The population density is...
) is a Finnish
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
footballer playing as a central defender for Norwegian
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
club Tromsø IL.
Koppinen has formerly played for Norwegian giants, Rosenborg BK and the Finland national football team
Finland national football team
The Finland national football team represents Finland in international football competitions and is controlled by the Football Association of Finland....
.
Early years
He first played youth football for KPVKokkolan Palloveikot
KPV is a Finnish football club, based in Kokkola. It currently plays in the Finnish First Division . The club's manager is Jarmo Korhonen, and it plays its home matches at Kokkolan keskuskenttä....
in his home town of Kokkola
Kokkola
Kokkola is a town and municipality of Finland.The town is located in the province of Western Finland and is part of the Central Ostrobothnia region. The town has a population of and covers an area of of which is water. The population density is...
. He made his debut for KPV in 1998 at 16 years of age, before moving to second division side FF Jaro
FF Jaro
FF Jaro is a Finnish football club, based in the bilingual town of Jakobstad. It currently plays in the Finnish Premier League Veikkausliiga...
in 1999. The club managed to reach the final of the Suomen Cup
Finnish Cup
The Finnish Cup is Finland's main national cup competition in football.This yearly competition is open for member clubs of the FA of Finland. Finnish Cup has been played since 1955.Finnish Cup winner qualifies to UEFA Europa League...
, before losing 2-1 to FC Jokerit
FC Jokerit
FC Jokerit was a football club based in Helsinki, Finland. It was founded in 1999. The club was known for its wild supporters, 116% Boys, and for its owner, Hjallis Harkimo who is also the owner of Jokerit, an ice hockey club based in Helsinki....
.
Move to Norway
He joined Norwegian side Tromsø in 2000. Tromsø got fourth place in his first season, but a disappointing second season saw Tromsø relegated to the Norwegian first divisionAdeccoligaen
The Norwegian First Division is the second highest division of the Norwegian football league system. Since 2005, the official name of the league has been Adeccoligaen....
. Tromsø responded quickly though and got back to the top-flight after one season. Two more seasons followed at Tromsø before securing a move to Norwegian giants Rosenborg on a free transfer.
Rosenborg
At his first season at Rosenborg, Koppinen found himself injured for much of the season which limited his Premier DivisionTippeligaen
Tippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official...
appearances to only six games. He got himself back at the end of the season, also playing for his side during the group stages of the Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
. A disappointing season saw Rosenborg in seventh place, the worst league position for decades.
In 2006 Koppinen helped Rosenborg win the Premier League, playing sixteen games. In the penultimate match of the Norwegian Premier League 2006
Norwegian Premier League 2006
The 2006 season of the Norwegian Premier League began on April 9, 2006 and ended on November 5, 2006. Rosenborg became champions on October 29, with one round to go, by defeating Viking at home...
, Koppinen notably set up Rosenborg's deciding third goal against Viking F.K.
Viking F.K.
Viking Fotballklubb is a Norwegian football club from the city of Stavanger. The club was founded in 1899 as football was becoming increasingly popular...
by grabbing Viking's goalkeeper Mattias Asper
Mattias Asper
Mattias Asper is a Swedish football goalkeeper currently playing for Mjällby AIF. He has played 3 international matches for Sweden national football team, and was a squad member in the Euro 2000....
's elbow, causing him to drop the ball. At the time, it seemed likely that the goal would lead to relegation for Viking. In post-match interviews, Koppinen initially denied any wrongdoing, although he later apologised when faced with video evidence.
The following season in 2007 was yet another difficult season for his side, which resulted in only a fifth place finish. On 18 September 2007 he scored for Rosenborg in a Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
game at Stamford Bridge
Stamford Bridge (stadium)
Stamford Bridge is a football stadium in Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, West London, and is the home of Chelsea Football Club. The stadium is located within the Moore Park Estate also known as Walham Green and is often referred to as simply The Bridge...
in a shock 1-1 draw against Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
Return to Tromsø
In 2008, he moved back to Tromsø IL, helping his side to a bronze medal in the league. The following season, they finished sixth.Career statistics
| Season | Club | Division | League | Cup | Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |||
| 2000 2000 in Norwegian football The 2000-season is the 95. season of competitive football in Norway.*2000 Tippeligaen *2000 Norwegian First Division*2000 Norwegian Football Cup*2000 Toppserien -Men's national team: UEFA Euro 2000... |
Tromsø | Tippeligaen Tippeligaen Tippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official... |
22 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 24 | 0 |
| 2001 2001 in Norwegian football -Round 1: April 16: Brann - Moss 1-0 Lillestrøm - Bryne 0-0 Lyn - Strømsgodset 2-2 Molde - Bodø/Glimt 4-1 Odd Grenland - Sogndal 3-0 Stabæk - Tromsø 0-3 Viking - Rosenborg 4-3-Round 2: April 22: Bodø/Glimt - Odd Grenland 1-1 Bryne - Stabæk 0-1... |
Tippeligaen Tippeligaen Tippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official... |
25 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 29 | 2 | |
| 2002 2002 in Norwegian football -Round 1:April 13: Molde - Brann 2-0April 14: Vålerenga - Bodø/Glimt 1-1April 21: Sogndal - Start 0-0April 28: Vålerenga - Sogndal 2-0August 4: Bodø/Glimt - Sogndal 2-1August 11: Odd Grenland - Vålerenga 1-3August 17: Molde - Rosenborg 1-2... |
Adeccoligaen Adeccoligaen The Norwegian First Division is the second highest division of the Norwegian football league system. Since 2005, the official name of the league has been Adeccoligaen.... |
25 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 27 | 3 | |
| 2003 2003 in Norwegian football -Round 1:April 12: Rosenborg - Vålerenga 1-0April 13: Lillestrøm - Bodø/Glimt 1-0April 21: Molde - Lillestrøm 4-0August 24: Tromsø - Lillestrøm 2-0August 31: Molde - Bryne 3-2September 14: Vålerenga - Bodø/Glimt 1-1September 21: Stabæk - Tromsø 2-2... |
Tippeligaen Tippeligaen Tippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official... |
24 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 29 | 0 | |
| 2004 2004 in Norwegian football -Round 1:April 12: Lillestrøm - Fredrikstad 2-0-Round 3:April 25: Hamarkameratene - Stabæk 0-012 goals: Gylfi Einarsson, Lillestrøm11 goals: Markus Ringberg, Fredrikstad-Round 1:April 12: Aalesund - Haugesund 3-2 3. Fløya 18 10 3 5 47-22 33... |
Tippeligaen Tippeligaen Tippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official... |
25 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 29 | 4 | |
| 2005 2005 in Norwegian football Results from Norwegian football in 2005.-Norwegian Premier League :Vålerenga won the 2005 Premier League, while Aalesunds FK and FK Bodø/Glimt were relegated. Molde FK had to play two qualification matches against number Moss in the first division Results from Norwegian football in 2005.-Norwegian... |
Rosenborg | Tippeligaen Tippeligaen Tippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official... |
7 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 0 |
| 2006 2006 in Norwegian football The 2006 season is the 101. season of competitive football in Norway.*Tippeligaen 2006 *Adeccoligaen 2006 *Norwegian Football Cup 2006*Toppserien 2006 -Men's national team:... |
Tippeligaen Tippeligaen Tippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official... |
16 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 18 | 1 | |
| 2007 2007 in Norwegian football The 2007 season is the 102. season of competitive football in Norway.* Tippeligaen 2007 * Adeccoligaen 2007 * Norwegian Football Cup 2007* Toppserien 2007 -Men's national team:... |
Tippeligaen Tippeligaen Tippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official... |
19 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 4 | |
| 2008 2008 in Norwegian football The 2008-season is the 103. season of competitive football in Norway.*Tippeligaen 2008 *Adeccoligaen 2008 *Norwegian Football Cup 2008*Toppserien 2008 -Men's national team:... |
Tromsø | Tippeligaen Tippeligaen Tippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official... |
20 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 23 | 2 |
| 2009 2009 in Norwegian football The 2009-season is the 104. season of competitive football in Norway.*2009 Tippeligaen *2009 Adeccoligaen *2009 Norwegian Football Cup*2009 Toppserien -Men's national team:... |
Tippeligaen Tippeligaen Tippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official... |
23 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 26 | 2 | |
| 2010 2010 in Norwegian football The 2010-season is the 105. season of competitive football in Norway.*2010 Tippeligaen *2010 Adeccoligaen *2010 Norwegian Football Cup*2010 Toppserien -Men's national team:... |
Tippeligaen Tippeligaen Tippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official... |
27 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 31 | 2 | |
| 2011 2011 in Norwegian football The 2011-season is the 106. season of competitive football in Norway.The season began on 18 March 2011 for Tippeligaen, 03 April 2011 for Adeccoligaen, with Fair Play ligaen and 3. Divisjon both starting six days later on 09 April 2011. 2. Divisjon, and 3... |
Tippeligaen Tippeligaen Tippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official... |
20 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 22 | 1 | |
| Career Total | 253 | 16 | 34 | 5 | 287 | 21 | ||
International career
He has played eight times for the Finnish U21 teamFinland national under-21 football team
The Finnish national under-21 football team is the national under-21 football team of Finland. The team qualified for the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship final tournament in 2009.-UEFA U-21 Championship Record:...
. In 2000, he made his debut for the full national side
Finland national football team
The Finland national football team represents Finland in international football competitions and is controlled by the Football Association of Finland....
in a game against Norway
Norway national football team
The Norway national football team represents Norway in association football and is controlled by the Football Association of Norway, the governing body for football in Norway. Norway's home ground is Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo and their head coach is Egil Olsen...
.
He played a total of twenty games for Finland before stepping down in 2006, citing personal reasons. However four years lates, in October 2010, he returned to national team to play in UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
The qualifying competition for UEFA Euro 2012 is a series of parallel association football competitions held over 2010 and 2011 to decide the qualifiers for UEFA Euro 2012, to be held in Poland and Ukraine...
match against Hungary
Hungary national football team
The Hungary national football team represents Hungary in international football and is controlled by the Hungarian Football Federation....
.
Career statistics
|-|2000||2||0
|-
|2001||4||0
|-
|2002||3||0
|-
|2003||4||0
|-
|2004||4||0
|-
|2005||0||0
|-
|2006||1||0
|-
!Total||18||0
|}
Personal life
He is married to a woman from TromsøTromsø
Tromsø is a city and municipality in Troms county, Norway. The administrative centre of the municipality is the city of Tromsø.Tromsø city is the ninth largest urban area in Norway by population, and the seventh largest city in Norway by population...
and has two children. He is fluent in Norwegian. Koppinen has over the years graduated as a coach and will probably be taking his final courses over the next couple of years, as he is interested in becoming a coach once his career is finished.