The Swede with blonde pigtails, known on the women's tour as "The Face", partnered Sorenstam to two, four and three victories as her team went 9-7 ahead on day two.

In the process, Koch joined Dottie Pepper as the only player in Solheim history to go 4-0 up in a single year.

And after outplaying Sorenstam, she revealed the secret to her success.

"It's just a little more exciting here with all the people," she revealed. "Plus, in match play, you can take more chances, go for everything.

"Being aggressive is good for my game."

And, of her team-mate, she said: "I pick my partners well."

Koch and Sorenstam were the only European winners on the morning foursomes, as the team fell 7-5 behind the United States.

But the Swedish pair, having defeated Michel Redman and Cristie Kerr four and three, launched Europe's afternoon fightback with a similar win over Beth Daniel and Wendy Ward.

From there, Europe did not drop a single point, much to the delight of captain Dale Reid.

Reid, who led her side to victory at Loch Lomond, said after the close of play: "It was a fantastic comeback in the afternoon.

"But I didn't panic after the morning. I knew what these players were capable of doing.

"They're all hugely talented and they won't give up."

American mistakes

Her American opposite number Patty Sheehan blamed herself for her side's slump.

She explained: "It was an amazing turnaround in the afternoon, but we still feel good.

"I maybe made some mistakes in the pairings, but the Europeans just made a lot more putts."

The Europeans need five points from Sunday's 12 singles matches to retain the cup.

Sunday's singles draw:
Juli Inkster v Raquel Carriedo
Laura Diaz v Paula Marti
Emilee Klein v Helen Alfredsson
Kelli Kuehne v Iben Tinning
Michele Redman v Suzann Pettersen
Wendy Ward v Annika Sorenstam
Kelly Robbins v Maria Hjorth
Cristie Kerr v Sophie Gustafson
Meg Mallon v Laura Davies
Pat Hurst v Mhairi McKay
Beth Daniel v Carin Koch
Rosie Jones v Karine Icher