Smith had overseen five straight victories since taking over from John Lloyd in 2010 but were beaten convincingly in the Europe/Africa Zone Group I at Braehead Arena.

Victory over Slovakia in February ensured Britain's Group I status was preserved following their promotion last season but the defeat to Belgium prevents them from progressing to the World Group play-offs.

Goodall had been due to play Olivier Rochus but the Belgian number one was still struggling with the thigh problems that troubled him against Dan Evans on Friday, so Goffin stepped in.

It should have been a boost for Britain, with Goffin significantly lower ranked than number 59 Rochus and playing in his first Davis Cup match.

But he had impressed in the doubles rubber, which British pair Colin Fleming and Ross Hutchins won in four sets, and is still ranked 141 places above Goodall.

The 26-year-old from Basingstoke played above himself as he won his first set in Davis Cup match in a four-set loss to Steve Darcis on Friday, but the size of his task was too much to overcome.

Goffin won the first three points of the match on his opponent's serve, but to Goodall's credit he managed to stave off the break points.

Temporary

It was only a temporary reprieve, however, as Goffin made his breakthrough at the next opportunity when a forehand return proved too hot for his opponent.

The British player had one chance but netted a regulation backhand return, and Goffin had no trouble serving out the set.

The second set followed a similar pattern, although there was controversy in the first game when umpire Lucy Grant overruled a linesman to call a Goffin backhand out with the Belgian on break point.

The ball looked in and Goodall took advantage of his stroke of luck to save two more break points, but again Goffin achieved the break in the third game.

Goodall continued to plug away and brought up his second break point at 3-4 only for Goffin to nail a serve down the middle.

The British player saved three set points in the next game, the final one despite an extremely late line call on his first serve and more complaints to Grant, but again Goffin made no mistake on his own delivery.

In the third set the Belgian broke in the third game for the third time in the match, but this time Goodall hit straight back to pick up the break for the first time in seven sets when Goffin snatched at a backhand.

Goodall then saved six break points in a marathon fifth game, but that effort clearly took its toll and Goffin regained the advantage two games later before sealing victory with a superb forehand winner on his first match point.