US Clears Way for Upstart Goalie's Mom to See Match

Cape Verde's breakout World Cup goalkeeper will have a familiar face in the stands on Sunday after some high-level help from Washington. The mother of 40-year-old keeper Vozinha—he goes by just the one name—is now expected to get a US visa in time for Cape Verde's match against Uruguay in Miami, reports CNN. "All fees have been waived consistent with official policy," said House Minority Leader Hakim Jeffries, per the Washington Post. "Travel arrangements are now being arranged." The State Department also intervened on behalf of Ana Candida Evora.

Vozinha had said after Cape Verde's stunning 0-0 draw with powerhouse Spain that his mother had not been able to attend because she couldn't afford a required visa bond, notes Reuters. Citizens of Cape Verde typically must post a reimbursable bond of $15,000 to enter the US under a Trump administration policy, though there may have been some confusion in this case because the fee is waived for relatives of World Cup players. Either way, the State Department is now smoothing her travels, which might also involve the lack of a passport. Vozinha has seen his fame skyrocket since the Spain match, with his Instagram following jumping from tens of thousands to nearly 10 million.