Points: The United States needs 14 points to retain the cup. Europe needs 14 1/2 points to win the cup.
Series: United States leads, 25-10-2.
Last time: The United States ended a three-match losing streak behind rookies Hunter Mahan and Anthony Kim, and the homegrown Kentucky duo of Kenny Perry and J.B. Holmes. The 16 1/2-11 1/2 margin was the largest for the Americans since 1981. Mahan became the first American captain's pick to go unbeaten (2-0-3) while playing all five matches. They won without Tiger Woods, who was recovering from knee surgery.
Captains: Corey Pavin (United States), Colin Montgomerie (Europe).
U.S. roster: Stewart Cink, Rickie Fowler, Jim Furyk, Dustin Johnson, Zach Johnson, Matt Kuchar, Hunter Mahan, Phil Mickelson, Jeff Overton, Steve Stricker, Bubba Watson, Tiger Woods.
European roster: Luke Donald, Ross Fisher, Peter Hanson, Padraig Harrington, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Martin Kaymer, Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy, Edoardo Molinari, Francesco Molinari, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood.
Tiger tales: Tiger Woods has played on only one winning Ryder Cup team in his career.
Key statistic: The United States has not won on European soil since 1993 at The Belfry.
Noteworthy: The European team has 17 wins and two majors this year, compared with 12 wins and one major for the American team.
TV (all times EDT): Friday, 3 a.m. to 1 p.m., ESPN. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., NBC. Sunday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., NBC.
Friday morning matches: 2:45 a.m.: Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, U.S., vs. Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer, Europe
3 a.m.: Stewart Cink and Matt Kuchar, U.S., vs. Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, Europe
3:15: Steve Stricker and Tiger Woods, U.S., vs. Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher, Europe
3:30: Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton, U.S., vs. Luke Donald and Padraig Harrington, Europe
