In a striking opening match of the World Cup, Cape Verde held Spain to a 0-0 draw, elevating the profile of Blue Sharks’ goalkeeper Vozinha. This unexpected outcome has turned the 40-year-old into a global sensation, potentially offering a solution to a personal matter that has weighed heavily on him.
According to CNN, the US Department of State is taking steps to assist Vozinha’s mother in obtaining a visa to watch her son play in person. Following the match, Vozinha revealed that his mother’s absence was due to financial constraints related to the visa application process.
She didn’t manage to be here because of the visa, the money we have to pay for the visa. We didn’t manage on time, and I would like her to be here.
Cape Verde is among 50 countries whose citizens must pay a bond of up to $15,000 for a visa, a policy enacted under the Trump administration due to concerns over high rates of visa overstays. In response to Vozinha’s request, the US Department clarified:
The US Department of State has no record of this individual applying for a visa. All relatives of players are eligible for visa bond waivers, and the Department is actively coordinating with the player’s family to assist with visa services.
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