Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar Dias, known as Vozinha, delivered a stunning 0-0 draw against Spain in the nation’s World Cup debut Monday night in Atlanta. The 40-year-old’s 27-save performance did not surprise his mother, Ana Candida Evora, who had publicly guaranteed a shutout the day before.
Evora, a 59-year-old house cleaner, watched from the family home nearly 6,400 kilometers away. “I said that no ball would enter his goal, and that is exactly what happened,” she told Reuters.
A Trump-era policy initially required citizens from dozens of countries, including Cape Verde, to post bonds up to $15,000 for a U.S. visa. Washington waived the rule for World Cup ticket holders last month, but the initial financial barrier had already forced Evora to abandon travel plans. Additional costs for airfare, lodging, and tickets made the trip prohibitive for many on the archipelago.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to facilitate Evora’s attendance at Cape Verde’s next match against Uruguay in Miami. The goalkeeper’s brother, Davidson Evora, said the family has not yet made plans but described the prospect as “something wonderful.”
Celebrations erupted across the island of Sao Vicente after the historic draw. “I have cried until I couldn't cry anymore,” supporter Magali Monteiro said. “Keep going, because this World Cup belongs to us.”