Not defending the boot, but we lost Russia in the very same setup and our game is still going strong. Although it was later in the game and China assumed his role:
http://warlight.net/MultiPlayer?GameID=2996556
Brazil is also large enough to be a super power as well. Turn 2 sucks though. Only thing you can do really is maybe limit USA from doing much until someone can catch up. Or since it is turn 2 just redo the game and don't invite him.