Poland's national football team was escorted by F-16 fighter planes as it made its way to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar amid rising tensions with Russia.
It comes just days after two Polish citizens were killed by a missile strike.??
Two fighter jets were seen flanking the plane carrying the Poland national team. The video of the same was posted to the team¡¯s official Twitter account.? ?
The plane was emblazoned with the words ¡®Republic of Poland¡¯.
¡°We were escorted to the southern border of Poland by F16 planes!?Thank you and greetings to the pilots!¡± reads the caption on the video.?
The Polish superstar Robert Lewandowski and his teammates were escorted by F-16 fighter jets because of the tensions around the Ukraine-Russia border amid the ongoing war between the two countries. Because Poland shares borders with both Ukraine and Russia, and in light of the recent missile attack, the government felt compelled to take these extraordinary precautions.??
Photos of the F-16 jets that were flying beside the plane were also shared by the Polish national football team.
As per reports, the warplanes followed the national team¡¯s aircraft until it departed Polish airspace. Later, the team made it safely to Doha, the capital of Qatar, where it will take part in the FIFA World Cup.?
Poland will start their campaign in the Group C clash against Mexico on Tuesday. The team will be looking to make it to the?knockout stages for the first time since 1986.
The Robert Lewandowski-led side then takes on Saudi Arabia on November 26, before squaring off against tournament favourites Argentina on November 30. La Albiceleste will be looking at Lionel Messi for inspiration as they look to win the coveted tournament for the first time since 1986.?
The World Cup kicks off on Sunday, November 20, with hosts Qatar taking on Ecuador in the first game of the tournament.??
The 2022 FIFA World Cup will see the best players take centre stage, in what will be the first winter edition in the history of the competition.?
In an extravagant event, 32 teams will compete to win the ultimate international football trophy. The final will be played on December 18 at Lusail Stadium.? ?
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