SANTA CRUZ, California -- When Russians speak of their World Cup opener against Brazil, shutting down Romario and Bebeto is their prime concern. The two Brazilian scorers are like a nightmare for the Russians who say by stopping them, at least half of the job would be done in one of the most interesting of the first-round matches. The Group B match was to begin after midnight Monday Moscow time. "Romario and Bebeto will be our main problem," said Russia's striker Sergei Yuran. "We have to mark them very closely if we want to have a good result." Despite its underdog status against the favorite to win the World Cup, the Russians were hoping for at least a tie. Russians say a point against Brazil would help them qualify for the second round as second in Group B, which includes Sweden and Cameroon. In addition to a revolt against Sadyrin which kept Russia's four key players at home, the team will suffer Monday because of the absence of its captain Viktor Onopko. Onopko, proclaimed the best defender in Russia, will miss the game against Brazil because of a red card from a qualifying game against Greece.
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