WORLD CUP USA ’94 / THE FIRST ROUND : TODAY’S GAMES AT A GLANCE

GROUP B

at Stanford Stadium, Palo Alto

Brazil vs. Russia

* TIME: 1 p.m.

* TV: ESPN, Univision

* KEY MATCHUPS: Brazil’s Romario and Bebeto are not only the best forwards in the tournament, they are among the most appealing players to watch. Russia’s striker, Sergei Yuran, hopes that is not what his defensive teammates are caught doing. “Romario and Bebeto will be our main problem,” he said. “We have to mark them very closely if we want to have a good result. They are dynamite players.”

Brazil’s difficulty has been in setting them up because veteran playmaker Rai has not been as dependable since leading his club team, Sao Paulo, to its first world championship in 1992.

Brazil also is without three starters on defense. Ricardo Gomes, the captain of Brazil’s 1990 World Cup team, suffered a torn calf muscle during a recent friendly against El Salvador, Aldair has a knee injury and Mozer is not on the roster because of a liver ailment.

Fortunately for Brazil, Russia does not appear potent on offense because three of its best forwards--Sergei Kiriakov, Igor Kolyvanov and Igor Shalimov--refused to play for Coach Pavel Sadyrin. As if that did not cause the Russians enough problems, their captain, defender Viktor Onopko, has to sit today because of his ejection in the last qualifying game.

* OUTLOOK: Insisting its responsibilities as an academic institution came before the World Cup, Stanford erected a stage in the center of the field the weekend before last and held graduation ceremonies. The damaged grass has been replaced and, according to venue director Peter Bridgwater, given “tender, loving care.” The coaches do not seem concerned, but strange bounces could lead to a strange result.

* OUTCOME: Sadyrin said he has warned his players to look out not only for Bebeto and Romario but “11 Bebetos and Romarios.” Even though Brazil is the World Cup favorite, it is not that good. But it is good enough to beat Russia, 2-0.