Even before the end of play on Saturday, the analysis had already begun. Anybody who might have anything useful to offer was wheeled into US television studios to try and throw some light on how the perceived 12 best golfers in the world, could be losing 106 to Europe in the Ryder Cup.

We were told that partnership was the key. On which point Dr Bob Rotella, the leading American sports psychologist, insisted: "Before you start, you've got to turn to the guy you're playing with and say `Look, I love you; I'm going to support you out there."'

Against that background and without wishing to question their sexuality, Jesper Parnevik and Sergio Garcia showed a lot of love for each other while equalling a European record. When Garcia birdied the 18th to give them an improbable half with Davis Love and David Duval on Saturday afternoon, they had extracted three and a half points from the team matches.

This equalled the record set by the now legendary "Spanish Armada" of Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal at The Belfry in 1989. All of which made the later comment by Mark James delightfully appropriate.

"Sergio's been a replacement for the young Seve," said the European skipper. "He's a live wire. I think Jesper has looked after him fantastically by keeping him in check. But Sergio's personality simply bubbles over. Like Seve, he's very charismatic and a force that the team has definitely felt positively."

It was a mixed day for the Irish. Through superb putting, Padraig Harrington tried in vain to overturn the stunning set-back of four opening birdies from Tiger Woods and Steve Pate in the morning. But Darren Clarke matched Harrington's putting to greater effect in partnering Lee Westwood to victory over Jim Furyk and Mark O'Meara, before the European pair ran out of steam in the afternoon.

It was interesting to note the comment of the eccentric Swede. "I felt really tired on Friday night," said Parnevik. "But for some reason, I don't know why, I had adrenaline on Saturday afternoon. I don't know why."

The reason was quite simple. The enthusiasm of his teenage partner was so infectious that Parnevik surprised himself by some of his dramatic deeds, among which was a chip into the hole at the treacherous 12th for an outrageous half against Love and Duval. And as any beleaguered matchplayer will confirm, there is nothing more irritating than opponents enjoying more than their share of luck.

Then there was the magnificent contribution of Colin Montgomerie, whose partnership with Paul Lawrie yielded two and a half points over the two days. Never did a European player lead better by example. Clearly, the big Scot was aware of the level of expectation from younger, less experienced colleagues after the competitive passing of the so-called Fab Five of Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Ian Woosnam, Bernhard Langer and Sandy Lyle.

At one stage, with the Americans up in all four fourball matches, it looked as if Europe's lead might disappear altogether. But Montgomerie, more than any other player, turned the entire afternoon around. He did it by sinking a nine-foot birdie putt for an improbable half with Woods and Pate on the long 14th. And he then gave himself and Paul Lawrie what proved to be a winning lead by holing a glorious 12-footer on the 15th, again for birdie.

His contribution was acknowledged by American skipper Ben Crenshaw who said: "Colin is a wonderful golfer in every way. He's shown it many, many times. He has the effect of lifting any player who partners him. Quite simply, Monty is a tremendous golfer."

All the while, James seemed to be out-manoeuvring his American counterpart. While the European skipper sent out the same nine players he had used successfully on Friday, Crenshaw had to respond to requests from three players, Phil Mickelson, Love and Duval to stand down from Saturday morning's fourballs. And there were reports that a few US players had complained of fatigue.

Was James not worried his players might be tired, especially the seven who played in all four team matches? "It wasn't a question where the answer would have interested me, so I didn't ask it," he replied. "I asked them if they wanted to play because I felt sure they were the best for the job. If they didn't want to play, I would have rested them."

So it was that for the first time since 1983, all 12 members of a European team did not see action on the opening two days. The exception then was Gordon J Brand. In his first assignment as European Ryder Cup captain, Tony Jacklin omitted the Yorkshire until Sunday's singles in which he was beaten two holes by Bob Gilder.

But on this occasion, we were talking about no fewer than three players - Jean Van de Velde, Jarmo Sandelin and Andrew Coltart. "It was difficult, difficult," conceded James, "but it probably helped that they knew every step of the way."

In 1927, the Ryder Cup was created as "a crusade for the sake of the prestige of British golf . . . " By the ruthlessness of his decision-making on Saturday, James was clearly determined that 72 years on, the objective should carry the same meaning in a European context.