A Royals' 1-0 win was vital if they were to progress in Korea after they lost their first game to River Plate and the Berkshire club held on after Cox's sidefooted goal with goalkeeper Graham Stack making a vital interception in injury time.

However, Reading wasted the chance to make an early breakthrough when Republic of Ireland striker Kevin Doyle missed a penalty after just five minutes.

Last season's top scorer scuffed his spot-kick after he was wrestled to the ground with Shane Long tripping up and missing his kick when following up.

Both sides had chances in an open game but it was Cox who made the breakthrough in the 62nd minute.

Long made progress down the right before pulling the ball back where it was met by Cox who had sprinted into the box and the 20-year-old sidefooted the ball into the net.

Lyon created a number of chances and the Royals were indebted to keeper Stack who dived at the feet of Karim Benzema to prevent an injury-time equaliser.