Gone but not forgotten: Bernd Hölzenbein, the German football legend behind ‘Miracle on Grass’

Bernd Hölzenbein, a legendary German football player who famously scored the winning penalty in West Germany’s 1974 World Cup final victory over the Netherlands, has passed away at the age of 78. 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 converted by Paul Breitner to level 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, where he scored a goal against Czechoslovakia. Despite his efforts, West Germany lost in a penalty shootout. Hölzenbein spent the majority of his club career with Eintracht Frankfurt, winning the UEFA Cup in 1980 and the German Cup three times. Following his retirement, he continued to work with Frankfurt as a vice president and scout.

Hölzenbein will always be remembered for his contributions to German football and his role in some of the country’s most iconic moments on the international stage.