Great Britain have won the Davis Cup for the first time in nearly 80 years, downing Belgium 3-1 in the clay court final in Ghent.

World No.2 Andy Murray defeated world No.16 David Goffin 6-3 7-5 6-3 in the first of the reverse singles to give the Brits an unassailable 3-1 lead.

The 28-year-old had claimed his opening singles rubber on matchday 1 and teamed up with his brother Jamie to win the all-important doubles tie.

In the process Murray became the first player since USA’s Pete Sampras in 1995 to win three live rubbers in a Davis Cup final.

“I never thought we would have the opportunity to do this and I can’t believe we have done it. Everyone who has played has played an unbelievably high level,” Murray said.

“We have to enjoy this because we may never get the opportunity again.

“The Australian Open is next. I have lost in the final four times. I need to learn a few things about how I have handled this weekend. I will try to do that in Australia.”

Great Britain had just beaten Australia in an enthralling semi-final and also defeated the United States and France en route to the decider.

Murray won all 11 matches he contested during the campaign, joining John McEnroe and Mats Wilander as the only players to win all eight of their singles ties in a calendar year in the World Group.

The Scotsman also became just the third person in the Open era to have won Wimbledon, Olympic singles gold and the Davis Cup, alongside Rafael Nadal and Andre Agassi.

“It’s obviously an amazing feeling. I imagine it will take a few days before it really sinks in,” said Murray.

“I probably haven’t been as emotional as that after a match that I’ve won.

“I’ve been pretty upset having lost matches before, but I’d say that’s probably the most emotional I’ve been after a win.

“It’s incredible that we managed to win this competition. I didn’t know that would ever be possible. It’s great.”