As the World Cup was coming to an end, we reached out to our readers to see what one change they would make to the tournament and, by extension, the sport itself.The request was aimed at first-time viewers of the World Cup, or even those just getting into the game, but the replies also included thoughts from people who have followed football for much longer than the past six weeks.So, after the first 48-team World Cup, one featuring hydration breaks at all matches, suspended bans, a half-time show in the final and countless other controversies, what are your suggestions for improvement?Below is a selection of answers from The Athletic subscribers, some of which have been edited for brevity and clarity.More yellows and reds for divingAlthough I’ve been following the sport for many years, I couldn’t resist commenting here: get rid of VAR, except for goals and yellow cards for ‘flopping’ (diving).Then give a red for repeat offenders, or anyone who rolls on the ground for two or more rotations.John R.Hydration breaks — not popularI’m a long-time fan, and the two most important changes are: get rid of ‘hydration breaks’ unless the weather requires them, and, even then, limit them to one minute and have them on the opposite side of the pitch from the coaches. Oh, and limit half-time to 15 minutes and without concerts.Martin W.Get rid of mandatory hydration (advertising) breaks. True football is two halves.Tim W.Get rid of universal hydration breaks or don’t allow broadcasters to show commercials during them, don’t host midday games in tropical/sub-tropical climates, and stop expanding the group stage. FIFA will, I am sure, care a lot about fans’ opinions on these matters.Anonymous U.A lot of readers said they were not fans of hydration breaks (Dan Mullan/Getty Images)What time is it anyway?An accurate scoreboard clock. It’s insane that only one person in the stadium, or watching on TV, knows how much time is left in a half or game. Every other timed sport does it. Welcome to the 21st century.Lance S.Everyone should know when the game ends. It should not be a mystery.Nick D.Put a time limit on the “attacking phase of play” for the VAR to go back and review. It puts every goal in jeopardy because there are an infinite number of potential infractions. It also places an unfair onus on the referee, because it’s largely subjective anyway.Matt S.A few penalty area and offside tweaks, pleaseShrink the penalty box. So many non-threatening plays result in spot kicks. It ruined the tournament.Anonymous U.The player fouled should be the one to take the penalty. If it’s handball, a team can choose their taker.Burnie H.I’ve often been puzzled by the notion of being offside when the ball is in the penalty box. Once the ball is in the box, offsides should be negated as the bodies of the two teams are so compacted. Can someone explain to me why this is not a good idea?David M.You need to fix the offside rule to produce more goals — the whole body should have to be offside. It’s ridiculous to call back a goal for a toe or shoulder being offside.meganmaxson212Ban the grabbing!I’m a lifelong fan, but have had some beefs with the way it’s refereed for a long time. Here are some of the things I’d change: