Former Rangers right-back Mateusz Zukowski wore Robert Lewandowski's iconic No.9 shirt for Poland but failed to find the net as his side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Zukowski was handed the shirt after Lewandowski was ruled out of the Nations League clash through suspension, with UEFA's official lineup confirming that the Magdeburg striker would temporarily take over the number.
It was quite the moment for a player whose Rangers career produced just one competitive appearance, coming away to Annan Athletic in the Scottish Cup.
But the former Ibrox man was unable to make the most of his opportunity up front as Poland slipped to defeat.
Zukowski's performance attracted criticism, with the 24-year-old, earning his third cap, failing to score his first goal for the national team.
Poland boss defends Ibrox flop
However, Poland boss Jan Urban refused to put the blame on his striker.
“He tried. Of course he tried. He was looking for space, trying to get shots in. One was off target, the other was blocked, and we had a corner kick. You can't blame him. He kept working,” Urban said.
“He's a guy who's gaining experience with our national team. He needs a little more time. Today, on this pitch, against tall defenders, it certainly wasn't easy for him."
Lewandowski heads home
The defender-cum-striker was facing an especially difficult assignment after being asked to fill the void left by Lewandowski, who had scored a hat-trick in Poland's previous 6-0 victory over Romania.
Lewandowski had picked up his second yellow card of the Nations League campaign in that victory, ruling him out of the trip to Bosnia.
The situation also underlined Poland's lack of recognised striking options, with Zukowski the only nominal striker alongside Lewandowski in the squad during the training camp.
Karol Czubak was not selected, while Adrian Benedyczak withdrew through injury.
Rangers defender becomes Poland striker
There was another Rangers connection on the night, too, with former Ibrox defender Nikola Katic featuring for Bosnia and Herzegovina as the hosts secured the 1-0 victory.
The story of Zukowski, a player who once struggled to establish himself at Rangers and made just one competitive appearance for the club as a backup defensive option, has found himself wearing the shirt traditionally associated with one of Poland's greatest-ever strikers, is certainly an interesting one.
Despite the disappointment of defeat and criticism of his display, Urban was keen to emphasise the effort shown by the former Rangers man.
“You can't blame him. He kept working,” the Poland boss insisted.
Poland have now concluded their international break, they will return to action with fixtures against Romania and Sweden in November.
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