 On 1 June 2014, Balotelli was selected in Italy's squad for the 2014 World Cup.In Italy's opening match of the tournament, he scored the team's winning goal in a 2–1 victory over England on 14 June.After the match, Balotelli said playing in the World Cup for the first time was "a wonderful sensation to experience" and dedicated the goal to his "future wife" Fanny Neguesha, whom he ultimately did not marry.