final 2010 World Cup qualifying group stage match against Russia. The match ended in a 3–0 loss for the Finns at home, which inevitably cost them the second place in the group, which was then secured by the Russians, leading to their advancement in the tournament, with Finland therefore failing to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. In 2011, under Mixu Paatelainen, Moisander gained the captain's armband from Petri Pasanen, becoming the new skipper for Finland. While playing a major role in the teams UEFA Euro 2012 ambitions, Finland finished fourth in its group behind the Netherlands, Sweden and Hungary, failing to qualify for the final tournament in Poland and Ukraine. The 2014 World Cup qualification process ended in a third-place group stage finish for Finland behind both Spain and France, which both secured placement in the final tournament. One of the most memorable matches of the qualification was a 1–1 draw against the reigning world and European champions Spain in March 2013 in Gijón; Moisander played full 90 minutes in the match. Moisander scored his second goal for the national team on 14 August 2013 on his old home turf Veritas Stadion in Turku in a match against Slovenia when he took Finland on a 1–0 lead in a 2–0 victory. In November 2017, Moisander announced his retirement from international duty. Personal life Niklas is the twin brother of Henrik, a professional football player as well who plays as a goalkeeper. Career statistics Club International Scores and results list Finland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Moisander goal. Honours AZ Eredivisie: 2008–09 Johan Cruijff Shield: 2009 Ajax Eredivisie: 2012–13, 2013–14 Johan Cruijff Shield: 2013 Malmö FF Allsvenskan: 2021 Svenska Cupen: 2021–22 Individual Finnish Defence Forces Conscript Athlete of the year: 2009 Finnish Football Association Player of the Year: 2012, 2013 Finnish Sports’ Journalists Player of the Year: 2012, 2013 References External links Werder Bremen official profile Niklas Moisander – SPL competition record Niklas Moisander at Voetbal International 1985 births Living people Finnish footballers Finland international footballers Finland under-21 international footballers Association football defenders Turun Palloseura footballers AFC Ajax players Jong Ajax players PEC Zwolle players AZ Alkmaar players U.C. Sampdoria players SV Werder Bremen players Malmö FF players Veikkausliiga players Eredivisie players Eerste Divisie players Serie A players Bundesliga players Allsvenskan players Footballers from Turku Finnish twins Twin sportspeople Finnish expatriate footballers Finnish expatriate sportspeople in