Éder obtained 52 caps with the Brazilian national team between May 1979 and April 1986. Éder came to international prominence during the 1982 FIFA World Cup, playing in midfield alongside Zico, Sócrates and Falcão, considered one of the greatest Brazilian national teams ever. In Brazil's first match of the tournament he scored a wonderful, winning goal against the Soviet Union, flicking the ball up and volleying it with blistering power into the net from 25 yards. He followed that up with another outstanding goal in the 4–1 win over Scotland, when he feigned to shoot powerfully but then lofted the ball over Scotland's frozen goalie Alan Rough and into the far corner, from the edge of the area. He smashed a bendingfree kick against the crossbar vs Argentina in the 2nd round group game from 30 yards out and this shot resulted in the first goal scored by Zico. Éder didn't make the Brazilian squad for the 1986 World Cup, after losing form and fitness during the preceding season, and also because he apparently pushed a ball boy during a warm-up game for Brazil. He was sent off in his final international match, against Peru, in April 1986. Off the field he was occasionally a controversial figure; rumours abounded that he preferred partying to training and he often fell out with coaches or fellow players.
Style of play
A predominantly left-footed player, Éder usually played as a wide midfielder on the left flank, although he was also capable of playing as a forward or in a free role as a second striker; in his prime, he was considered to be one of the best players in the world in his position. Although he wasn't the quickest winger, he was highly creative, athletically built, and had dazzling technical skills and close control, as well as an extremely accurate and powerful bending shot with his left foot that earned him the nickname O Canhão from his fans; he was capable of bending the ball in any direction by striking it with either the inside or the outside of the instep of his left foot, while he was not particularly adept with his weaker right foot. In addition to his ball striking abilities from outside the area or from volleys in open play, he was also known for his accuracy from free kicks, as well as his excellent ball delivery from set-pieces and corners, and his accurate long passing and crossing ability. Despite his ability as a footballer, he was also notorious for his poor work-rate, difficult character, and lack of discipline both on and off the pitch, which led him to have difficulties with several of his managers.
