Going into the final Group H matches, things were very simple for Japan: they just had to better Colombia's result against Senegal to qualify.
With both games goalless after 60 minutes, it seemed as if things were going to plan for the Asian nation, but it was all a rouse.
Poland won a free-kick on the inside-left channel, which Rafal Kurzawa stepped up to take. His effort curled across the face of goal and into the path of Bednarek.
The Southampton man beat Eiji Kawashima with a deft side-footed volley to hand Poland the lead and cause shockwaves in Group H.
With Poland leading and Colombia drawing, Japan would be heading out of this summer's competition unless they can find a goal in the final 30 minutes.