MIAMI — Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is set for an emotional reunion with his mother ahead of his country’s next FIFA World Cup match after his heroic display against Spain turned him into one of the tournament’s breakout stars.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper revealed after Cape Verde’s stunning 0-0 draw with Spain that his mother had been unable to travel to the United States because of visa-related costs and logistical challenges.
Days later, that situation has changed.
Vozinha’s mother, Ana Candida Evora, confirmed she will travel to Miami in time for Cape Verde’s Group H clash against Uruguay on Sunday.
“I’m very happy,” she said from her home in São Vicente.
“I’m going there to support him, to give him strength and courage. I’m going to give him a hug after the game.”
The reunion follows efforts by U.S. officials, FIFA and the Cape Verdean government to facilitate her travel after Vozinha’s emotional post-match comments attracted worldwide attention.
U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced that visa fees had been waived and travel arrangements were being finalized to ensure the goalkeeper’s mother could attend the match.
“No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history,” Jeffries said.
A U.S. State Department official later confirmed that officials were working directly with her to complete the process.
Vozinha became one of the stories of the tournament after producing a series of outstanding saves to frustrate Spain and help Cape Verde secure one of the biggest surprises of the opening round.
The veteran goalkeeper was named player of the match after denying several Spanish stars and leading the World Cup debutants to a famous point against one of the tournament favorites.
His performance quickly made him a fan favorite around the world and attracted millions of new followers across social media platforms.
At 40 years and 12 days old, Vozinha also became the oldest player to appear in a nation’s first-ever World Cup match.
The Chaves goalkeeper has earned 91 international caps and enjoyed a career that has taken him through clubs in Portugal, Slovakia, Angola, Moldova and Cyprus.
Following the draw with Spain, Vozinha admitted his emotions after the final whistle were linked to family memories.
“I cried because I grew up with my grandparents,” he said. “They were everything to me.”
He also spoke about his mother, expressing sadness that she was unable to witness the historic occasion in person.
That disappointment will now turn into a celebration when mother and son reunite in Miami.
Cape Verde will face Uruguay on Sunday before concluding its group-stage campaign against Saudi Arabia on June 27.
With one of the tournament’s most remarkable stories already written, Vozinha now has another dream fulfilled before stepping back onto the World Cup stage.
Source: Saudi Gazette