Cape Verde's hero goalkeeper Vozinha said his mum could not afford US trip — but now she's there

Cape Verde's hero goalkeeper Vozinha said his mum could not afford US trip — but now she's there Vozinha, who kept a clean sheet for Cape Verde against Spain, had said his mother could not attend the World Cup because of the high cost of obtaining a US visa Cape Verde's hero goalkeeper Vozinha will be reunited with his mother ahead of their next World Cup game against Uruguay. The 40-year-old footballer said his mum could not attend the World Cup because of the high cost of obtaining a US visa. He spoke after he shot to fame following his clean sheet for minnows Cape Verde against giants Spain, who won the World Cup in 2010. Huge numbers of fans, including those following England, expressed their support for him on social media amid the visa row. His mum, Ana Candida Evora, has now confirmed at her home in Sao Vicente on the island that arrangements had now been made before flying into Miami on Saturday. Ana said: "I'm very happy. 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." She will be able to watch her son play two-time winners Uruguay in the nation's next big test. Earlier US House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said that visa fees had been waived and travel arrangements made for the keeper's mother. Mr Jeffries posted on X: "No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history. "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" 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, after spells in Slovakia, Angola, Moldova and Cyprus. Speaking after the goalless draw this week, the veteran goalkeeper said: "I cried because I grew up with my grandparents. 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. He added: "I started playing professional football when I was 25 years old, in 2012. It was too late for a person like me. 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.