Soccer

Georgia had to wait more than 30 years to play in a major soccer tournament after gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The time has now come at the European Championship — and the republic's reward has been fairly spectacular.

Age is a factor in Group E at the European Championship as Belgium grapples with how to move on from its ‘Golden Generation’ and Ukraine looks to its young players for inspiration during wartime.

France and the Netherlands renew their recent rivalry at the European Championship with fresh memories of their hard luck exits at the World Cup 18 months ago.

Host nation Germany is the heavyweight in its European Championship group though Scotland, Hungary and Switzerland are capable of causing an upset. Scotland would relish springing a major surprise on Germany in the opening game in Munich on June 14.

With two semifinalists from the last European Championship, Group C boasts teams that believe they can go the distance this summer. England, a beaten finalist in 2021, aims to go one better and win its first trophy since the 1966 World Cup.

Spain and defending champion Italy are the juggernauts but they can't underestimate the other two teams in Group B at the European Championship.

Seattle Sounders FC (4-6-6, 11th in the Western Conference) vs. Sporting Kansas City (2-9-5, 14th in the Western Conference) Kansas City, Missouri; Saturday, 8:30 p.m.

Portland Timbers (5-7-5, ninth in the Western Conference) vs. Saint Louis City SC (3-4-8, 12th in the Western Conference) Old North Saint Louis, St. Louis; Saturday, 8:30 p.m.

New York Red Bulls (8-3-5, third in the Eastern Conference) vs. New England Revolution (3-10-1, 14th in the Eastern Conference) Foxborough, Massachusetts; Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

FC Dallas (3-8-4, 13th in the Western Conference) vs. Minnesota United FC (8-3-4, third in the Western Conference) Saint Paul, Minnesota; Saturday, 8:30 p.m.