The mother of Cape Verde’s veteran goalkeeper, Vozinha, has been granted a visa to travel to the United States in time to watch her 40-year-old son play in his country’s next FIFA World Cup match.
Cape Verde was among the countries placed on a U.S. government list requiring its citizens to post a refundable $15,000 (£11,200) bond, in addition to paying a visa fee, before travelling to the United States.
Although the Trump administration last month scrapped the bond requirement for FIFA World Cup ticket holders, the initial costs had already prevented Ana Candida Evora from securing her visa in time for Cape Verde’s opening match.
Vozinha emerged as one of the breakout stars of the tournament after producing a string of outstanding saves in Cape Verde’s goalless draw against Spain in their opening game.
The goalkeeper was overcome with emotion after the final whistle and broke down in tears on the pitch.
Speaking after the match, Vozinha said: “I cried because I grew up with my grandparents and, unfortunately, they were not here. They died a few years ago. They were everything to me.
“I also cried because my mum couldn’t be here because of the visa. Because of the money we had to pay for the visa, we didn’t manage to get it done on time. I would have loved for her to be here, but I’m also very happy.
“I have worked my whole life for this moment. I’m 40 years old. I started playing professional football when I was 25, in 2012. I thought about quitting, but I kept going because of this dream.
“I was named Man of the Match, but this award belongs to all of my teammates because without them nothing would have been possible. I will continue to work for Cape Verde and for my people.”
On Wednesday, June 17, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced that Vozinha’s mother had been granted a U.S. visa.
Jeffries said he spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and asked the State Department to “do everything in their power to ensure that his mother can attend Cabo Verde’s next match.”
He added that all visa fees had been waived and travel arrangements were being finalized to enable Ana Candida Evora to attend Cape Verde’s Group Stage match against Uruguay in Miami on Sunday.
“I thank Secretary Rubio, U.S. State Department officials, the government of Cabo Verde and FIFA for working together to make this possible,” Jeffries said.
