US Lawmaker Demands Visa Waiver for Cape Verde Goalkeeper's Mom After She Missed World Cup Match.

"No mother should miss watching her child make history," says Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries

The mother of Cape Verde's star goalkeeper couldn't afford to watch her son shut out Spain in the World Cup and now a top US politician is stepping in to make sure she doesn't miss the next game.

Ana Candida Evora stayed home in Cape Verde while her 40 year old son Josimar Dias better known as Vozinha delivered the performance of a lifetime on Monday, holding the Spanish squad to a stunning 0-0 draw in the island nation's World Cup debut. The emotional goalkeeper broke down in tears after the final whistle, telling reporters he was heartbroken his mother wasn't there to see it.

"She didn't manage to be here because of the visa," Vozinha said. "The money for the visa, we didn't manage on time, and I would like her to be here."

The problem traces back to January, when the Trump administration imposed a bond requirement of up to $15,000 for citizens of dozens of countries including Cape Verde entering the United States. The policy was designed to curb visa overstays.

While Washington recently dropped that requirement for World Cup ticket holders, the damage was already done for Evora, who had ruled out the 3,900 mile journey to Atlanta due to the costs.

Now Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries is demanding action from Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

"No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history," Jeffries said on social media. "I have asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to do everything in his power to ensure that she can attend the next match on Sunday."

The State Department says it's already "actively reaching out to this player's family to assist with visa services," noting that players' relatives are eligible for visa bond waivers. However, officials say there's no record of Evora applying for a visa.

Evora, surrounded by family in her home on the island of Sao Vicente, told Reuters she had wanted to be there but it just wasn't possible.

The visa troubles aren't isolated to Cape Verde. Somali referee Omar Artan was banned from entering the US to officiate World Cup matches, and several of Iran's backroom staff were also denied visas, forcing the Iranian squad to relocate their base to Mexico.

For smaller nations, Mario Semedo, president of Cape Verde's football federation, says the financial barriers extend well beyond visas.

"Airfare, accommodation and match tickets all involve significant costs," he said. "If a player's family member wants to attend the tournament, every effort should be made to facilitate that."

Cape Verde's next match is Sunday, and supporters are hopeful that with Jeffries' intervention, Vozinha's biggest fan will finally be in the stands.