Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha will be reunited with his mother ahead of their next World Cup match against Uruguay, after a visa row was resolved. The 40-year-old had earlier said his mother could not attend the tournament because of the high cost of obtaining a US visa, but she has now arrived in Miami.
Mother's Arrival and Reaction
Ana Candida Evora, Vozinha's mother, confirmed from her home in Sao Vicente on the island that arrangements had been made before flying into Miami on Saturday. She expressed her joy, stating, 'I'm very happy. This is happening so fast, but I'm quite happy anyway. I'm going to see my son playing in the World Cup, God willing. I'm going there to support him, to give him strength and courage. I'm going to give him a hug after the game.'
Visa Fee Waiver and Political Intervention
US House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced that visa fees had been waived and travel arrangements made for the keeper's mother. He posted on X: 'No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history. I spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and asked the State Department to do everything in its power to ensure that his mother can attend Cape Verde's next match.' Jeffries added, 'All fees have been waived consistent with official policy. Travel arrangements are now being made for mother and son to reunite in Miami.' He thanked Secretary Rubio, US State Department officials, the government of Cape Verde, and Fifa for their cooperation.
Vozinha's Emotional Plea
After Cape Verde's goalless draw against Spain, Vozinha became emotional, saying, 'I cried because I grew up with my grandparents. Unfortunately, they were not here. They died a few years before. They were everything to me, everything in my life. And also because of my mum. She didn't manage to be here because of the visa. Because of the money you have to pay for the visa, we didn't manage it in time. I would like her to be here.'
Background on Visa Requirements
Cape Verde is one of five countries in the tournament whose citizens are required by the US government to pay a refundable visa deposit of around £11,000, although fans with match tickets were exempted from the rule in May. Vozinha has become a cult hero after his performance against Spain, attracting millions of new followers on social media.
Vozinha's Career and Record
Vozinha has earned 91 caps for his country and currently plays club football for Chaves in Portugal, after spells in Slovakia, Angola, Moldova, and Cyprus. At 40 years and 12 days, he became the oldest player to appear in a nation's debut World Cup match. He reflected, 'I started playing professional football when I was 25 years old, in 2012. It was too late for a person like me. I thought about leaving the national team, but then I continued because of this dream.'
Cape Verde face Uruguay on 21 June, followed by Saudi Arabia on 27 June in Group H.
