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Day 3 at the Ryder Cup: Can the US come back?

PARIS -- The U.S. has been here before. In 1999, at Brookline, the Americans entered the final day staring at the same 10-6 deficit they are staring at heading into Sunday's singles at Le Golf National.

Back then, captain Ben Crenshaw left one thought hanging in the air Sunday night: "I have a good feeling about this."

He was right, because the U.S. stormed back in the biggest comeback in Ryder Cup history.

In 2012, at Medinah, Europe equaled that comeback, wiping away a 10-6 lead for a dramatic win on the road.

So, yes, there's a chance.

SCORE: EUROPE 10½, UNITED STATES 9½

Here's what's happening on the final day:


How it happened: It was the heavyweight fight that was expected. The first match out of the box went to the 18th tee all square. The difference was simple: On the most important drive of the day, Thomas hit the 18th fairway and McIlroy did not. McIlroy left a shot in the bunker, then hit a line drive into the water. Once Thomas found the green safely, the hole - and the match - was conceded. The U.S. needed a win to start the day, and it got one.

Rory McIlroy concedes the 18th hole before he even reaches the green, having found water with his second shot from the fairway bunker and failing to hole his fifth shot. Thomas gains his fourth win of the week and completes the role he was handed by captain Jim Furyk: the first point on the board is red.

Matt Cooper, Special to ESPN.com33m ago

How it happened: Second match of the day, second match that went all the way to the 18th hole. This one did not end as well for the Americans. With a short iron in his hands from just 152 yards, Koepka yanks his approach into the bunker. He got up and down from the bunker to make par. Casey had 25 feet up the hill for birdie to win the match. He just missed on the left edge. The match ends in a tie. On a day when the U.S. needed every point it could get, this was a hard half-point to let get away.

Brooks Koepka completes a superb sand save on the final green and Paul Casey can't find the bottom of the cup for the win. Europe are now just four points from regaining the Ryder Cup. Casey has claimed 1.5 points on his return to the European team.

Matt Cooper, Special to ESPN.com18m ago

Paul Casey after his fightback for a half: "What a great match. Brooks is player of the year in my eyes. We threw a lot at each other. He wants to win, I want to win. The half was big for us. I told Thomas that I'm not scared. I'm very proud to grab that point. This was awesome."

Matt Cooper, Special to ESPN.com13m ago

How it happened: Simpson had a hot putter in Saturday's foursomes win with Bubba Watson. It carried over into Sunday's singles match with Rose. He won the second and third hole, then pushed the lead to 3 up at the seventh. The lead never shrunk below 2 up and he closed it out with a birdie at the 16th.

Webb Simpson has been superb today and polishes off a 3 and 2 victory over Justin Rose when both exchange birdie-2s at the 16th. Last night European captain Thomas Bjorn said Le Golf National reminded him of TPC Sawgrass. It definitely suited The Players' Championship holder Simpson who ends the week with two wins and one defeat.

Matt Cooper, Special to ESPN.com16m ago

How it happened: Every time you looked up on Sunday it seemed Finau was walking in a birdie putt. Through 10 holes, Finau was a stunning 5 up. Fleetwood, after all, was the star of the show over the first two days, posting a perfect 4-0 record alongside partner Francesco Molinari. Before the match started, this felt like a sure win for Europe. Finau didn't see it that way and won in a rout.

What to expect: A week after winning the Tour Championship, Woods has struggled throughout this Ryder Cup, posting an 0-3 record with partners Patrick Reed and Bryson DeChambeau. He has not won a Ryder Cup match since 2010, going 0-6-1 over that span. Rahm, in his first Ryder Cup, is still searching for his first point -- or half-point -- this week.

What to expect: Is there any way to have to more opposite on-course personalities paired together? Poulter will thump his chest and try to get into a frenzy. Johnson will simply nod and go about his business. (Wait, Johnson did sneak in a slight fist pump this week, to the shock of nearly everyone). Poulter will be happy to be away from Spieth and Thomas. He was 0-2 in matches involving them, and 1-0 when not in the same group as the two young Americans. An important note: Johnson is 3-0 in Ryder Cup singles.

What to expect: Well, Olesen will be rested. He hasn't played since Friday morning. He sat out Friday's foursomes session. He was the only European to watch both sessions Saturday. On the other hand, Spieth will be playing for the fifth time this week. He also has a terrible history in singles. He is a combined 0-5 in Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup singles matches.

What to expect: Garcia was a controversial choice as a captain's pick by Thomas Bjorn. It has worked out this week. Garcia, who has not played well all season, enters this one 2-1 for the week and showing signs of his Ryder Cup magic from years past. Fowler has been erratic. After opening with a win Friday morning, alongside Dustin Johnson, he has dropped two in a row.

What to expect: Phil Mickelson played so poorly in his one match Friday afternoon that U.S. captain Jim Furyk did not send him out at all Saturday. Molinari, meanwhile, has been unstoppable from tee to green. Looking for the most lopsided match on the board? This is it.

What to expect: Will Captain America make an appearance? He is in the conversation, with Mickelson and Woods, for the worst week among the Americans. Granted, his two losses both came with Woods at his side. Hatton admitted he is surprised that he is handling the pressure of the Ryder Cup. Let's see how it goes for one more day.

What to expect: The big question is -- will this one even matter? With the U.S. down four points heading into Sunday's singles, this is one of those matches that could become irrelevant. If it does matter, Watson, like Spieth, doesn't have a good history in singles. He is 0-3 in Ryder Cup singles.

What to expect: See the question above. Will this one even matter? If it does, remember that Noren knows his way around Le Golf National. He won the French Open here earlier this year. DeChambeau is still looking for his first Ryder Cup points.

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