Cape Verde keeper Vozinha delighted as mother gets World Cup visa

Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha is overjoyed his mother, Ana Candida Evora, will attend his World Cup match against Uruguay this weekend. The 40-year-old player, who was named Player of the Match for his saves in a 0-0 draw against Spain, had been emotional after that game because his grandparents, who raised him, had passed away. His mother could not attend due to visa costs.

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For me, this is very important because all my family always supports me in everything. And to have her here, for me, it's something special. My father also is here, my brother, so I am very happy. I wish I could bring more, maybe my brothers and sisters and nephews, but I think sometimes it's difficult.

Following his tearful post-match comments, which went viral, the U.S. State Department intervened. Evora has now received approval to travel and is en route from Praia to the U.S. to watch the Blue Sharks' second group match in Miami.

"For me, this is very important because all my family always supports me in everything," Vozinha told reporters. "And to have her here, for me, it's something special. My father also is here, my brother, so I am very happy."

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Vozinha is a very good guy. We're all happy for him. I think this one match changed his life. So, no, it's more of a thing of happiness, and it shows what the World Cup can do, and I think that's it. We're just happy for him.

Cape Verdeans previously faced a requirement for bonds up to $15,000 to enter the U.S., a rule later dropped for World Cup ticket holders. Vozinha's Instagram following surged from 50,000 to 13.7 million after his performance. Teammate Deroy Duarte noted that while everyone is happy for Vozinha, the team remains focused on football. "We are here because of football," Vozinha added. "We are here because of the national team and because of the World Cup. So I'm very grateful for everything, but please let's speak about football."

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We are here because of football. We are here because of the national team and because of the World Cup. So I'm very grateful for everything, but please let's speak about football.