Mexico striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez is keeping his feet on the ground about El Tri's so far nearly perfect World Cup qualification campaign.
Mexico are in first place in CONCACAF's Hexagonal on 18 points after eight games -- five wins and three draws -- ahead of Friday's penultimate qualifier, against Trinidad & Tobago in San Luis Potosi.
Their relatively easy path to Russia 2018 -- for which they have already qualified -- contrasts sharply with four years ago, when they came within minutes of not making Brazil 2014.
And "Chicharito" said the team's goal was to complete the CONCACAF Hexagonal undefeated.
"There is not a formula that says something was done differently -- it's football," the West Ham striker told TDN.
"Four years ago we weren't the worst in history and now we aren't the best. We hope to qualify undefeated."
Only one team has qualified without defeat from the Hexagonal round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying -- Mexico for France 1998, when they won only four of their 10 matches.
Despite Mexico topping the World Cup qualifying group, there has been criticism of coach Juan Carlos Osorio, especially after summer disappointments at the Confederations Cup and Gold Cup.
Hernandez said: "In the national team we put up with the criticism, but I do think that sometimes there is an overdose of it."
Osorio's position has been periodically under the spotlight since he took over in late 2015, but he has consolidated his position with positive results in World Cup qualification.
"The coach looks better and better," Hernandez added. "He's more open with us and that is great because it fills you with confidence."
Mexico end their World Cup qualifying schedule with a trip to face Honduras in San Pedro Sula next Tuesday.