Jose Maria Olazabal, European Ryder Cup captain, has claimed his side can overturn the United States’ 10-6 lead as the tournament goes into a third day.

The Spaniard said: “It is not over. Simple as that.”

As holders, the European team need to score eight points from Sunday’s 12 singles matches to retain the trophy.

However, the US need four-and-a-half points to reclaim it.

“We have a tough task ahead, but I believe it’s not over,” said Olazabal.

“That is what I learned from Seve Ballesteros, and that is what I’m going to pass to the players.”

The Americans have never lost more than a two-point advantage on the final day since the competition began in 1927.

Despite this, Olazabal remains upbeat that his side can create history in Illinois.