After all the controversy surrounding his call up, Eder silenced his naysayers with the equalizing goal against Bulgaria in the Euro 2016 qualifiers. The player came on the pitch substituting Simone Zaza after almost an hour of playing time, and earned his first goal with the Azzurri against a tough Bulgarian side.
Antonio Conte's men went ahead with an own goal, courtesy of Yordan Minev after three minutes of play. But the Bulgarians fought back and earned the lead before the first half ended, following goals by Popov and Micanski. After the break, the game became a one-sided symphony, with the Italians enjoying most of the chances. When the game neared its end, Eder curled a well-placed shot into the back of Nikolai Mihaylov's net, giving the Italians a well deserved point.
Antonio Conte will keep his unbeaten streak coaching the Azzurri, earning a lot of credit after Eder's goal. What are fans and experts saying about the Brazilian-born hero? Scroll down and find out!
The fans who said they didn't want Eder because he's "not Italian" shouldn't be happy that we are winning.
— Marco Messina (@Marcocalcio22) March 28, 2015
Eder nets on his Italian debut, and it's a peach. A certain somebody may be feasting on humble pie tonight... pic.twitter.com/CK35eJVNGg
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 28, 2015
EDER!!!! The latest Oriundo saves Azzurri blushes with a wonderfully taken goal! https://t.co/KOseKY4WIE
— Adam Digby (@Adz77) March 28, 2015
I bet Eder is Italian enough now ain't he..
— Siavoush Fallahi (@SiavoushF) March 28, 2015
Eder of Sampdoria has just silenced many "oriundi" dual national critics at least for one night. Great debut goal. pic.twitter.com/ZjJVWxBXwH
— Soccer Translator (@worldfootballcm) March 28, 2015
Thought process in Italy: "Eder scored? Ok we'll keep him"
— Matthew Amalfitano (@_MattFootball) March 28, 2015
I suspect Eder will be accepted a little more openly as an Italian now.
— James Sharman (@jamessharman) March 28, 2015
WHAT A GOOOOL EDER!!!! GREAT RESPONSE TO THE HATERS!! 2-2!!
— Marco Messina (@Marcocalcio22) March 28, 2015
Usually Italy's debuts score a goal. Forza Eder!
— Gabriele Biondo (@gabriele_biondo) March 28, 2015