Iraq took the lead through Hawar Mulla Mohammed's penalty four minutes after the break before Zheng Zhi equalised for the visitors with 14 minutes remaining.

And despite losing prolific striker Younis Mahmoud to injury after only six minutes and playmaker Nashat Akram to a second yellow card with 20 minutes to go, Olsen was still unhappy at only taking a point in their opening Group One encounter.

"It's a disappointing result for Iraq," said the Norwegian

"I'm not satisfied with the result because it was not a good one for us.

"We were the better side. However, we couldn't convert our chances but we will try our best to get back on track in our next match against Qatar.

"We had big problems in the game as our best player Younis Mahmoud had to leave the pitch due to injury and Nashat Akram was sent off in the second half."

Olsen's mood was in stark contrast to opposite number Vladimir Petrovic, who was delighted to leave the Middle East with a point.

"The result is a positive one for us because an away draw is a good start," said the 52-year-old.

"We were the better side in the second half and nearly won the game with a numerical advantage in the last 20 minutes.

"We played with a defensive formation in the first half because we were playing against the champions of Asia who have a good strike force.

"But we changed things around in the second half and managed to get a point from the game.

"I'm satisfied with the result and the positive performance we produced during the game."