News Focus
- Ana Candida Evora will travel to Miami to watch her son play after US officials waived visa fees
- The 59-year-old mother missed Cape Verde’s historic draw with Spain due to strict entry rules
- US House leader Hakeem Jeffries intervened to help the family reunite at the World Cup
- Vozinha kept a clean sheet against Spain and hopes to repeat the feat against Uruguay on Sunday
Vozinha wept on the pitch after Cape Verde earned their first ever World Cup point. The 40-year-old goalkeeper cried for his grandparents. He also cried for his mother. Ana Candida Evora could not travel to watch him face Spain. The US government had demanded a $15,000 bond. This rule blocked her from getting a visa in time.
Now the situation has changed. US House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries announced good news on Wednesday. Officials have waived all visa fees for Evora. The 59-year-old house cleaner can now fly to Miami. She will watch Cape Verde face Uruguay on Sunday.
The bond rule affected many Cape Verde citizens. The Trump administration recently removed this requirement for World Cup fans. However, this came too late for Evora. She watched Monday’s match from her home in São Vicente. Her son produced a man-of-the-match display. Cape Verde held Spain to a goalless draw.
Jeffries thanked Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He also praised FIFA and the Cape Verde government. “No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history,” he said. Travel plans are now underway for the reunion.
Vozinha has guarded Cape Verde’s goal for 13 years. He turned professional at age 25. The veteran shot-stopper has become a social media sensation this tournament. Millions of fans now follow his journey.
“I worked my whole life for this moment,” Vozinha said. “This is for everyone.” He dedicated his performance against Spain to his team-mates. Now he hopes to shine again in front of his mother.
Evora spoke to reporters from her island home. She expressed pride in her son. “No ball would enter his goal,” she predicted. She hopes he continues to stop every shot against Uruguay.