2012 Ryder Cup recap

We look back at Europe's scintillating singles comeback in the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club

The 2012 Ryder Cup will go down as one of the greatest comebacks in the history of sport.

After a positive start, Europe - captained by Jose Maria Olazabal - struggled for three consecutive sessions to head into the Sunday singles 10-6 down.

But it could have been worse. Ian Poulter birdied his final five holes in the Saturday afternoon fourballs - including a 12-footer on the 18th green - to provide some much-needed momentum and galvanise his on-looking teammates.

Ian Poulter: top 10 Ryder Cup facial expressions

And when the singles pairings were announced later that evening, there was sense of optimism from within the European camp that the impossible could be achieved.

On Sunday, Europe won the first five matches - notable victories coming from Poulter, Rory McIlroy and Paul Lawrie - and when Sergio Garcia fought back to defeat Jim Furyk and Lee Westwood saw off Matt Kuchar, the dream was very much alive.

All it required was a point from either Martin Kaymer or Francesco Molinari, and the German - going through a career slump at the time, a fact many seem to forget - would deliver.

He went back to all square on the 17th green and, with opponent Steve Stricker in trouble on the 18th, needed two putts to close out the match and secure a famous Ryder Cup victory.

He rushed his first putt some five feet past, but composed himself to knock in the return, sparking scenes of European euphoria in Chicago.

Below, we take a look at some of the best images from the 2012 Ryder Cup (all images = Getty Images).

Poulter celebrates victory in the Saturday fourballs - a win that rejuvinated Europe

Justin Rose celebrates holing a 40-footer against Phil Mickelson on the 17th hole on Sunday

Lee Westwood defeated Matt Kuchar 3&2 to take Europe to 13 points

Kaymer celebrates after holing a five-footer to win the Ryder Cup

One of the most iconic images of the 2012 Ryder Cup

McIlroy and Westwood celebrate

Sergio Garcia with the European fans

Rose is drenched with champagne

Kaymer reflects on the enormity of what he's just achieved

G-Mac with Ryder Cup debutant Nicolas Colsaerts, the 'Belgian Bomber'

Team Europe celebrates a remarkable victory