Remembering German football legend Bernd Hölzenbein: A tribute to the man who scored the equalizer in 1974 World Cup match against Netherlands.

Bernd Hölzenbein, a German football legend who is most famous for his crucial penalty performance in West Germany’s 1974 World Cup final victory over the Netherlands, passed away at the age of 78. The former Eintracht Frankfurt player passed away while surrounded by his family on Tuesday, according to a statement from the club.

Throughout his career, Hölzenbein played a total of 40 games for West Germany and is considered one of the country’s greatest players. His most memorable moment came during the 1974 World Cup final when West Germany made a comeback to defeat the Netherlands on home soil. After the Dutch took an early lead with a penalty, Hölzenbein was brought down in the box, leading to a penalty conversion by Paul Breitner that leveled the score. West Germany ultimately won the match with a goal from Gerd Müller just before halftime.

In addition to his World Cup heroics, Hölzenbein also played in the 1976 European Championship final and scored a goal against Czechoslovakia. Despite their efforts, West Germany lost in a penalty shootout. Throughout his club career with Eintracht Frankfurt, Hölzenbein achieved numerous successes including winning the UEFA Cup in 1980 and three German Cup titles. Following his retirement, he continued to work with Frankfurt as a vice president and scout.

Bernd Hölzenbein will always be remembered as an important figure in German football history and for his contributions to some of the country’s most iconic moments on the international stage.