Tears have turned to cheers for Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, whose mother will finally be in the stands when the World Cup minnows take on Uruguay in Miami on Sunday.
Ana Candida Evora arrived from the Cape Verdean capital, Praia, after the United States granted her a visa, allowing her to watch her 40-year-old son in person after missing the team’s opening match.
Vozinha had fought back tears while speaking to reporters following his heroic display in Cape Verde’s goalless draw with Spain, revealing that his mother had been unable to secure a visa in time. The issue has since been resolved, and she is now set to witness another chapter in her son’s remarkable World Cup journey.
Cape Verde, who stunned many by frustrating Spain in their opening game, are approaching Sunday’s clash against Uruguay with confidence rather than caution.
Coach Pedro Leitao Brito, better known as Bubista, insisted his side would not be intimidated.
“We didn’t come just to take part. We want to play all the matches and to be able to show that we have the level to take on the best teams in the world,” he said.
“Our aim is to play all the games with courage, in an organised way but also without fear.”
Elsewhere on Sunday, Iran will face 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 team would be eased ahead of their final group game against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. He, however, claimed the difficulties encountered so far had negatively impacted his side’s performances.
Despite the challenges, Iran remain in the hunt for a place in the knockout rounds after drawing 2-2 with New Zealand in their opening fixture.
On Saturday, Germany secured a place in the last 32 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in Toronto.
Substitute Deniz Undav rescued Julian Nagelsmann’s side with an equaliser in the 68th minute before grabbing the winner deep into stoppage time. The result sent Germany into the knockout rounds for the first time since 2014.
“This is exactly what we hoped for and I’m very happy for my team,” Nagelsmann said.
Germany’s qualification was confirmed as Group E winners after Curacao, the smallest nation by population ever to reach the World Cup, held Ecuador to a surprise 0-0 draw in Kansas City.
Goalkeeper Eloy Room produced a record-breaking performance, making 15 saves — the highest tally in a World Cup match without extra time — to earn Curacao their first-ever point at the tournament.
In Group F, the Netherlands strengthened their chances of reaching the knockout stage with a commanding 5-1 victory over Sweden in Houston.
Japan moved level with the Dutch on four points after thrashing Tunisia 4-0 in Monterrey, Mexico, in what was the 1,000th match in World Cup history.
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