It is not often that you see Peter Gerhardsson so affected.

But when he has to answer the question of what it will be like to play an international match without Marika Domanski Lyfors being in place for once - then the voice breaks.

- I think it will be with the players when they go out, that there is someone sitting at home, says Gerhardsson, with tears in his eyes.

National team manager Marika Domanski Lyfors left Portugal quickly after Sunday's match.

Her husband Ulf Lyfors, long-time Swedish national team captain for several national teams, passed away the other day.

"Fantastic warm man"

Therefore, Sweden plays Wednesday's match against Italy at least as much for Marika and Ulf, as for a victory in the Algarve Cup.

- It goes without saying, these are things that affect.

It has been very turbulent after the match, says Gerhardsson.

He also had a close relationship with Ulf Lyfors over the years.

- Yes absolutely.

He was a wonderfully warm and funny and good man.

There was always something going on around him.

I liked humor, and he was very much that way.

It was also Peter Gerhardsson who once took over from Ulf Lyfors as the national team captain for the Swedish national team with boys born in 1985.

- It was my first national team at the association.

Then "Uffe" had had them before, it was Sebastian Larsson and those.

He had them for the first two years and then I took over years three and four.

Then we had a lot of talk about players and all that.

- Its sad.

I really liked him.

Minute of silence

The final against Italy will be prompted by a minute of silence in memory of Ulf Lyfors, who is still the only national team captain to lead a Swedish women's national team to a championship gold (EC 1984).

The Swedish players and leaders will also wear mourning bands during the match.

- He is the only one who has won a gold medal with the ladies, but it is more the person I am thinking of.

He was a wonderful man.

He was close to the twinkle in his eye and the laughter.

Then he was very good when he also worked.

A great leader, says Peter Gerhardsson.