Cape Verde’s 40-year-old goalkeeper Josimar “Vozinha” Dias became an overnight global sensation after delivering a stunning performance to help his nation secure a 0-0 draw against European champions Spain in their first-ever FIFA World Cup match.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha in tears as mother missed historic World Cup heroics vs Spain; here's why
Yet, amid the jubilation and Man of the Match honors, Vozinha fought back tears as he revealed his mother could not be there to witness the moment. The reason? She was blocked by U.S. visa issues and the associated costs. As per a report by The Athletic, Vozinha said:
"I cried because I grew up with my grandparents and unfortunately they were not here, they died a few years ago, and they did everything for me... My mum could not be here either for a VISA issue, and the money we had to pay for it. We did not manage to do this in time."
The U.S. visa complications prevented his mother and other family members from traveling to witness the historic moment in person. The revelation struck a chord with fans across the globe, many of whom expressed solidarity and called for support to help bring his family for future matches.
Meanwhile, talking about the match, Spain dominated possession and created numerous chances, with shots hitting the woodwork, but Cape Verde's organized defense, powered by the veteran goalkeeper, held firm. The draw has been hailed as one of the biggest shocks of the early tournament stages, while Vozinha keeps earning followers on his Instagram account following his heroics.
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