MIAMI, June 19 (Reuters) — Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha’s unforgettable World Cup journey has gained another emotional chapter after his mother finally landed in Miami, making it possible for her to watch her son play on football’s biggest stage for the very first time.
Ana Candida Evora travelled from Cape Verde’s capital, Praia, after the U.S. State Department granted her a visa in the wake of Vozinha’s emotional post-match appeal following his nation’s stunning 0-0 draw with Spain. The veteran goalkeeper, who was named Player of the Match, had broken down while explaining that his biggest dream was for his mother to witness him at a World Cup.
Now that dream has become reality.
Although Vozinha admitted he was overjoyed that his mother would be in the stands for Sunday’s Group H showdown against Uruguay, the 40-year-old stressed that his attention is now fully on helping Cape Verde move one step closer to the knockout stages.
Evora arrived at Miami International Airport at 3:53 p.m. local time wearing a bright pink top and smiling warmly as she was greeted by FIFA officials and airport staff.
After briefly acknowledging a small group of waiting journalists, she continued through the terminal alongside FIFA representatives before heading off to reunite with her son ahead of what promises to be one of the most emotional matches of his career.
“I just want to wish him the very best and hope he has a wonderful match,” Evora said shortly after arriving.
It was not immediately known whether she would make the five-hour journey to Tampa, where the Cape Verde squad has been based before Sunday’s fixture, or wait until match day itself to share the long-awaited reunion with her son.
Vozinha has quickly emerged as one of the surprise stars of the World Cup after his outstanding performance against Spain, with the veteran goalkeeper earning widespread praise and the Player of the Match award.
But it was what happened after the final whistle that truly captured hearts around the world.
Fighting back tears during his post-match interview, Vozinha revealed that the grandparents who raised him had both passed away and that his mother had been unable to travel to the United States to witness the greatest moment of his football career.
His emotional words resonated far beyond the football community, spreading rapidly across social media and triggering an overwhelming wave of sympathy and support from fans around the globe.
