Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has disclosed that visa complications within the United States prevented his mother from witnessing his heroic World Cup display in person. The shot-stopper was named Player of the Match in Atlanta as the African nation secured an improbable 0-0 draw against European champions Spain. Vozinha made seven saves during the goalless encounter.
Emotional Aftermath
The 40-year-old cut an emotional figure on the pitch at Mercedes-Benz Stadium at full-time, with Cape Verde players and staff celebrating the draw as if it were a victory. However, issues entering America meant Vozinha did not have his mother present.
Speaking to reporters, the goalkeeper said: “This is a message of thanks to everybody in Cape Verde. We are very happy after this; this group of players has worked a lot to live this moment. It’s a day to be proud and satisfied.”
Personal Struggles
He added: “I cried after the game because I grew up with my grandparents when I was a kid, and they could not be there. They passed away a few years ago. My mum could not be here either for a visa issue, and the money we had to pay for it. We did not manage to do this in time.”
Wider Visa Controversy
The World Cup in North America has been marred by several issues, including the issuing of visas to individuals from certain countries. The most high-profile case involves Iran, who had to change their base from the United States to Mexico. Four members of Iran's World Cup delegation recently won appeals against rejected visa applications, but 11 members of the party will not be allowed to travel to the US when their team plays matches there. Iran last week accused the US of denying visas to “integral” members of its backroom staff.
Iran play New Zealand in their opening game on Monday in Los Angeles, then face Belgium on 21 June and Egypt on 26 June. Their attempts to move games outside the US were rejected by FIFA, who stuck to the original schedule. The country's World Cup group-stage ticket allocation for supporters was revoked by US officials last week, but football's governing body insists it is working to “maximise opportunities for Iranian supporters to attend matches”.
