The 1982 Brazil side is often called the most beautiful team never to win the World Cup, and Eder was one of the players who made it so. His goal against Scotland in Seville came midway through the second half with Brazil 2-1 up. The ball went the length of the pitch through Peres, Falcao and Socrates before Serginho slipped it through to Eder on the left. He took one touch and then, instead of blasting it, chipped the ball over Alan Rough and into the net.
Subtlety, not power. It was jogo bonito at its best, from a team built to play that way.
A 4-1 win for the class of 1982
Brazil beat Scotland 4-1 in the group stage, and Eder's goal was the pick of the four. Look at who was around him and the result makes sense. Zico, Socrates and Falcao were in that team, and together with Eder they form the core of what many consider the best side never to win a World Cup.
Part of the appeal was the nonchalance. Players like Eder made very difficult things look easy, and they seemed to enjoy doing it. Opponents often spent afternoons chasing the ball rather than playing with it.
That Brazil did not win the tournament has only added to their reputation. They are remembered for how they played rather than for what they won, and goals like this one are a large part of that memory. In a team overflowing with genius, Eder still found a way to stand out.
Tomorrow: number 24.
