If the “miracle of Wisconsin” doesn't happen this Sunday, the Ryder Cup will be decided: After the first two days with a total of 16 foursomes, as the doubles in golf are called, “Team USA” leads the European team with 11: 5. Never before in the history of this prestigious golf duel has it been possible to make up such a deficit. The biggest comebacks to date have come from the Americans in 1999 and the “Euros” in 2012, who were both 6:10 behind. In the twelve singles on Sunday (beginning at 6:00 p.m. CEST), the hosts only need three wins and one draw to reach the 14 ½ points required to recapture the Ryder Cup.

And something else speaks for the home win: So far, every team has managed to win at least three and a half points in the individual on Sunday. Europe, on the other hand, would have to win nine of the twelve games to score 14 points for a draw that would be enough for the defending champion to take the cup back to the old continent.

But at least the professionals of the European selection still spread a spark of hope: "Each of us believes that we can win our individual," said Shane Lowry.

The 34-year-old Irishman, one of the three newcomers to the team, narrowly prevailed on Saturday afternoon in a four-ball match with his English partner Tyrell Hatton against Tony Finau and Harris English with "1auf" (one more hole won).

"If you have one percent chance, you have to believe it one hundred percent," he added.

The 34-year-old British Open Champion from 2019 ensured with a sunk putt from three meters on the 18th hole that the guests shared the last "session" in four-ball 2: 2 after they had the first three 1: 3 had lost.

"It's not over yet"

"It's not over yet. We'll give everything, ”said Sergio Garcia. The 41-year-old Spaniard won both of his games on Saturday with his compatriot Jon Rahm, who is 15 years his junior. First the two won in the classic foursome against Brooks Koepka and Daniel Berger (3 & 1). In the afternoon, the new "Golf Armada" also won the match against Koepka, who this time played with Jordan Spieth (2 & 1). "Jon played like number one," Garcia praised his partner. The 26-year-old Basque demonstrated on the two days why he confidently leads the world rankings. With three and a half points (three wins and one draw) he is by far the most successful European.

Even if the industry hacking rules in match play - that is, hand-to-hand duels - are not given so much importance, in Whistling Straits it was not only cream that showed why it is rated so highly.

The world number two Dustin Johnson won all of his four fours, three times with the number three, Collin Morikawa, at his side, who prevailed like Olympic champion Xander Schaufele in his three matches.  

Surprisingly poor performance from Rory McIlroy

While all twelve Americans scored points, each of them even participated in a four-way victory, seven out of twelve of the "Euros" went completely empty, including the English veterans Ian Poulter (45 years), Paul Casey (44) and Lee Westwood (48) . Even more surprising was the feeble performance of Rory McIlroy. For the first time in his sixth Ryder Cup participation, he had to pause at a session. The Northern Irish star had to watch the classic foursome on Saturday morning. In the afternoon, Harrington sent him back into the race with Poulter. Against the pairing Johnson / Morikowa the two had no chance (4 & 3). How far McIlroy is from his best form is shown by statistics: In the two four-ball matches he only played a single hole under par, on Friday the fifth hole with an eagle.

Despite the weakness of some players, Harrington was optimistic on Saturday evening: “It's a difficult task, but it is still possible.

Every player has to focus tomorrow on winning his match ”.