Cape Verde goalkeeper set to be reunited with his mum

Vozinha, the goalkeeper whose heroics helped Cape Verde earn a draw against Spain, is set to be reunited with his mother ahead of their next game against Uruguay on Sunday.

The 40-year-old told reporters after Monday’s player-of-the-match performance that his mum had been unable to attend the World Cup because of the high cost of obtaining a US visa.

But she confirmed to the BBC at her home in Sao Vicente that arrangements had now been made for her to travel to Miami.

“I’m very happy,” said Ana Candida Evora.

“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.”

Earlier US House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said that visa fees had been waived and travel arrangements made for the keeper’s mother.

“No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history,” posted Jeffries on X.

“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.

“It is a privilege to announce that Vozinha’s mom will be able to secure a visa in time to attend the game this Sunday against Uruguay. All fees have been waived consistent with official policy. Travel arrangements are now being made for mother and son to reunite in Miami.

“I thank Secretary Rubio, US State Department officials, the government of Cape Verde and Fifa for working together to make this possible,” added the Brooklyn Congressman.

A US State Department official later added: “We can confirm our visa team in Praia is in close touch with her and providing the needed services.”

Cape Verde is one of five countries participating 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.

He has earned 91 caps for his country and currently plays club football for Chaves in Portugal’s second tier, after a career that has included spells in Slovakia, Angola, Moldova and Cyprus.

“I cried because I grew up with my grandparents,” said Vozinha following the goalless draw. “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.”

At 40 years and 12 days, Vozinha became the oldest player to appear in a nation’s debut World Cup match.

“I started playing professional football when I was 25 years old, in 2012. It was too late for a person like me,” he added.

“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.

Additional reporting by the BBC’s Michel Mvondo in Sao Vicente.