CAPE VERDE GOALKEEPER VOZINHA’S MOTHER FINALLY SET TO WATCH HIM AT WORLD CUP

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

Relief has turned into celebration for Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, as his mother will finally be present in the stands when the World Cup underdogs face Uruguay in Miami on Sunday.

Ana Candida Evora travelled from the Cape Verdean capital, Praia, after securing a United States visa, enabling her to watch her 40-year-old son in action after missing the team’s opening match.

Vozinha had been moved to tears when speaking after his standout performance in Cape Verde’s goalless draw with Spain, revealing that his mother was unable to attend due to visa delays. That situation has now been resolved, allowing her to witness another milestone in her son’s World Cup story.

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Cape Verde, who surprised many with their disciplined display against Spain, head into Sunday’s clash with Uruguay full of belief rather than fear.

Head coach Pedro Leitao Brito, known as Bubista, said his team would not be overawed by the opposition.

“We didn’t come just to participate. We came to compete in every match and show we are capable of matching the best teams in the world,” he said.

“Our goal is to play with courage, structure, and without fear.”

Elsewhere on Sunday, Iran will meet Belgium in Los Angeles, while Egypt take on New Zealand in Vancouver.

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said he had been informed that travel restrictions affecting his squad would be eased ahead of their final group match against Egypt in Seattle on June 26, although he claimed earlier disruptions had affected team performance.

Despite the challenges, Iran remain in contention for a knockout-stage place after drawing 2-2 with New Zealand in their opening game.

On Saturday, Germany booked their spot in the Round of 32 with a dramatic 2-1 win over Ivory Coast in Toronto.

Substitute Deniz Undav equalised in the 68th minute before scoring a stoppage-time winner to send Julian Nagelsmann’s side through to the knockout stage for the first time since 2014.

Nagelsmann said: “This is exactly what we aimed for, and I’m very pleased with the team’s performance.”

Germany topped Group E after Curacao, the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup by population, held Ecuador to a surprise 0-0 draw in Kansas City.

Goalkeeper Eloy Room delivered a record-breaking display with 15 saves — the most ever in a World Cup match without extra time — to earn Curacao their first point of the tournament.

In Group F, the Netherlands boosted their qualification hopes with a convincing 5-1 win over Sweden in Houston.

Japan also moved level on four points after a 4-0 demolition of Tunisia in Monterrey, marking the 1,000th match in World Cup history.