Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha—whose heroic performance helped his side hold World Cup favorites Spain to a 0-0 draw—was seen in tears after the match as he revealed that his mother had been unable to attend the game because of visa issues, describing it as one of his greatest regrets.
The story drew widespread attention, prompting intervention from senior members of the US Congress. The U.S. State Department subsequently expedited the visa application process for Vozinha's mother and waived the bond requirement.
In the early hours of June 19, a Chinese social media user known as "Cape Verde A Jie", who has known Vozinha's family for many years, posted a video showing the goalkeeper's mother arriving at the airport and successfully completing check-in procedures. The footage also showed that the suitcase she was carrying was from Yiwu, a city in eastern China known for its manufacturing industry.
According to the social media post, Vozinha's mother has now embarked on her journey to Miami after efforts by multiple parties helped resolve the visa issue.
"She is going to the US to watch her son play football," the post said. "This World Cup will no longer be a regret experienced through a screen."
The blogger also explained how he came to know Vozinha's family.
"He lives just over three kilometers from my home, and his cousin works at my shop. We have kept in touch over the years. I felt I had to help," he said.
Asked why he became involved, he said he did not view his actions as anything extraordinary.
"Living far from home, I understand the bond between a mother and her son. If a simple act of kindness can help a mother fulfill her wish to be with her son, and ensure that a goalkeeper fighting for his country has no regrets, that is enough."
(Video source: Weibo account "Cape Verde A Jie")
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