Gleneagles, Scotland. (CNN) -- Try as it might, Team USA couldn't pull off its own miracle, having suffered the ultimate Ryder Cup indignity two years ago at Medinah in Chicago when leading 10-6 going into Sunday. Led by its talisman Rory McIlroy -- the world number one -- Europe saw off a brave challenge from those in red to retain the trophy by a ultimately comfortable margin of 16½-11½. It was the continent's third straight victory, its sixth in the last seven and one that provoked searching questions for United States captain Tom Watson, not least from his star player Phil Mickelson.
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Europe retains the Ryder Cup
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Jamie Donaldson secures the winning point against United States at Gleneagles
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U.S. mounts fightback in singles after trailing 10-6 overnight
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Crucial Europe wins for Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Martin Kaymer
Watson responded by saying: "(@placeholder) has a difference of opinion.