The mother of Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha will finally watch her son play at the World Cup after receiving a visa to travel to the United States, following his tearful revelation that she missed his heroics against Spain due to travel issues.
Vozinha, 40, was Cape Verde’s player of the match in their tournament opener after making seven saves to secure a stunning 0-0 draw against European champions Spain in Atlanta. But his joy was tempered when he revealed that his mother, Ana Candida Evora, could not witness his standout performance due to a visa problem.
U.S. State Department Intervenes
The U.S. State Department stepped in after Vozinha’s emotional disclosure went viral. Officials said their visa team in Praia was in close contact with Evora and providing necessary services before confirming her approval to travel.
“Consistent with all policies, procedures, and standards, full steam ahead for travel for the game,” a State Department official told reporters.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced the visa approval on Wednesday, saying “all fees have been waived” and travel arrangements are being made to get Evora to Cape Verde’s next game.
Mother-Son Reunion in Miami
Evora will now be able to watch her son when Cape Verde faces Uruguay in their second World Cup group match in Miami on Sunday.
Cape Verde was among dozens of countries whose citizens needed to post bonds of up to $15,000 to enter the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s sweeping immigration crackdown. The requirement was later dropped for World Cup ticket holders, but by then the financial burden had already led Evora to forgo traveling 6,400 kilometers (3,900 miles) to Atlanta.