Vozinha stars in Spain shutout, but family left behind by visa complications

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha stunned the football world by keeping a clean sheet against Spain during the island nation's World Cup debut on Monday. The match concluded in a 0-0 group-stage draw in Atlanta, despite the European champions maintaining 75 percent of possession and launching 27 goal attempts. The 40-year-old goalkeeper, whose real name is Josimar Dias, broke down in tears after the final whistle, citing a visa issue that prevented his mother from witnessing his performance in person.

The player's 59-year-old mother, Ana Candida Evora, correctly predicted the shutout on state television a day before the match. She remained at home in the 10-island archipelago after ruling out the 6400-kilometre trip due to high travel expenses and a previous United States policy. In January, the Donald Trump administration introduced regulations requiring citizens from dozens of countries to post bonds of up to $15000 to enter the country. Although Washington dropped the requirement for World Cup ticket holders last month, the national football federation noted that cumulative costs for airfare, accommodation, and tickets remained prohibitive for local residents.

The travel restrictions drew political attention in the United States, where House of Representatives Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries called on the administration to intervene. Jeffries requested Secretary of State Marco Rubio to facilitate visa services so Evora can attend the next match on Sunday. A State Department official confirmed that while no visa application existed on record for Evora, relatives of tournament players qualify for visa bond waivers, prompting federal authorities to actively reach out to the family.

Meanwhile, celebrations continued across Sao Vicente on Tuesday as raucous crowds marked the historic sporting achievement into the early hours. The goalkeeper's brother, Davidson Evora, described the spectacular performance as a historic and unprecedented moment that brought happiness to the entire nation. Cape Verde continues its Group H campaign against Uruguay in Miami this coming Sunday.

-Reuters