SYDNEY. Mar 2: A revamped Russl an team will have lo contend with extra jet lag as it prepares for its

opening match Saturday against Cameroon in the world youth soccer championship, reports AP.

The Russian squad was due lo arrive in Australia on Tuesday but missed a connecting flight in Singapore. The team will now fly Into Sydney, cn-route to Canberra, on Wednesday morning.

Russia, one of Australia's Group A opponents In the tournament will have just over 72 hours lo acclimatize and prepare for their first match against Cameroon in Australia's federal capital. .

Australia play Russia at the Sydney Football Stadium next Monday The host team will be keen to avenge defeat by the ihen Soviet Union in the play off for third place at the last youth championship In Portugal in 1990

The delay could severely disadvantage the Russians, who will be playing out of season in relatively hot temperatures They will also be without

some- of the players who helped them clinch a berth in the final 16.

The collapse of the Soviet Union and the subsequent breakup of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) resulted in a number of star Ukrainian players having to withdraw from the squad to play in Australia.

Russia Is the only side still to arrive for the championship which gets under way on Fri day when Australia play Colombia at the Sydney Football Stadium.

European champion Turkey was greeted by 600 members of Melbourne’s Turkish com munlty on Tuesday, while the strong English side arrived on the same flight

England Is at full strength for the tournament and will parade six players with Premier League experience But coach David Burnside was cautious In assessing the side s chances,

I can t understand why people consider us to be one of the favorites,'' he said.

Burnside said he feels the team s lack of experience playing as a unit will negate the brilliance of a number of big

name players such as Totlcnh.m Hotspur midfielder Nick Barmby.

England and Turkey are expected to fight out Group C, but United States coach Bobby Howe warned not to underestimate his side's chances tn the Melbourne group.

Soon after arriving Tuesday, Howe promised his side would not be overawed by ihc Europeans.