Helmut Rahn, 74; Scored Winning Goal in 1954 World Cup

Helmut Rahn, 74, who scored the winning goal for Germany in the 1954 World Cup final, died Thursday at his home in Essen, Germany. The cause of death was not reported by the German Soccer Federation, which announced Rahn’s death.

Rahn’s goal gave Germany a 3-2 victory over a star-studded Hungary team in the World Cup final at Bern, Switzerland. Rahn scored the last two goals as Germany rallied from a 2-3 deficit. The title was a boost to Germany’s morale nine years after World War II.

Playing the right wing position and known for his powerful shot, Rahn had 21 goals in 40 games for Germany. Rahn won the German Cup in 1953 and the German Championship in 1955 with his club, Rot-Weiss Essen.

He also played in the 1958 World Cup, when Germany finished fourth, and scored 10 goals in World Cup matches.